For most of us, wisdom teeth emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These back molars rarely serve any practical purpose and occasionally cause oral problems. Wisdom teeth may partially develop or grow in sideways and cause impaction. They can also be difficult to reach when brushing your teeth because of their position. Both impaction and a lack of oral care can lead to a dangerous form of infection known as an abscess.
An oral infection can result in an abscess—a pus pocket in or on the tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:
- Throbbing pain near the tooth
- Pain that radiates to your neck, ear, or jaw.
- Pain while eating
- Redness and swelling in the face
- Red, swollen gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
If an abscess has burst, you may also experience a bad taste in your mouth.
Dr. Chris L. Tye at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists offers wisdom tooth abscess treatment for patients experiencing these oral problems. Not every patient requires wisdom tooth extraction. Dr. Tye is conservative in his approach and will only suggest surgery when absolutely necessary. Contact our office today at 817-552-3223 to schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Tye.
Here are three wisdom tooth abscess treatments he may suggest:
1. Drain the abscess
If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, a dentist can open the pocket of infection, drain it, and rinse the area with salt water or saline. This solution will rid the area of the infection.
2. Medication
In some cases, medication alone is an effective solution for treating the infection. Unfortunately, if an abscess has progressed to a certain point, you may require more invasive measures to prevent the spread of the infection. In rare cases, the tooth may need to be removed.
You may also need to take antibiotics, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, for one to two weeks to treat the infection.
Dr. Tye may recommend taking pain medication to ease your pain and discomfort leading up to treatment.
3. Extraction
If the wisdom tooth is damaged, or if an infection is likely to recur, Dr. Tye will suggest a wisdom tooth extraction. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure:
- Dr. Tye will examine your mouth and take x-rays.
- A surgical treatment plan will be created to meet your specific oral needs.
- Right before surgery, Dr. Tye will administer anesthesia or IV sedation to increase your comfort and decrease your anxiety.
- Once the sedation takes effect, he will numb the infected wisdom tooth or teeth and the surrounding tissues.
- If necessary, gum tissue or bone will be removed.
- The abscessed tooth is gently removed.
- Any incisions are sutured closed.
- Dr. Tye will give you and your caregiver post-op instructions that are to be followed closely.
Dr. Tye’s experience and expertise mean you can trust him to provide first-rate surgical care and a quick and easy recovery. However, if complications do arise, Dr. Tye is prepared to treat them.
Contact Your Southlake Oral Surgeon Today
If you have developed any symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection or abscess, contact Texas Oral Surgery Specialists today. If left untreated, the infection may spread to other areas of your mouth and body. Dr. Tye and our team will ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment while providing excellent care. Call 817-552-3223 today.
