Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that our ancestors used to finely grind their food. Today, however, wisdom teeth frequently do more harm than good. Indeed, third molars are often why patients need to seek oral surgery to help them treat a painful wisdom tooth infection or impaction.
If you still have your third molars, then don’t wait until you develop a wisdom tooth infection–talk to the team at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists today. Dr. Chris Tye can help you determine if wisdom tooth removal is right for you. Schedule an appointment at our Colleyville, TX, clinic by calling (817) 552-3223 or contacting us online here.
Meanwhile, let our team discuss three ways for patients to treat a wisdom tooth infection. From simple to more complex, there’s an ideal solution for every patient.
First Step: Diagnosis and Prognosis
First, an in-depth exam with Dr. Tye will tell us the nature and extent of the wisdom tooth infection. Patients usually have fully-erupted wisdom teeth, partially-erupted wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth below the gumline (if they have any wisdom teeth at all).
Patients with wisdom teeth above the gumline often develop cavities or encounter spacing issues while the tooth moves into place. Patients with wisdom teeth below the gumline don’t necessarily encounter the same issues with cavities, but they do frequently experience impactions.
Whatever the case, patients should never ignore the initial signs of a wisdom tooth infection, such as:
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Swollen and bloody gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Sudden bad breath
If you’re noticing any of these signs or symptoms, then contact our Colleyville oral surgeon immediately. Dr. Tye can diagnose the issue and recommend comprehensive solutions for speedy treatment.
Prescription Medications
Dr. Tye may prescribe a prescription antibiotic to treat a wisdom tooth infection before pursuing other treatment options. Common antibiotics to treat a wisdom tooth infection include:
- Amoxicillin
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin
- Metronidazole
- Penicillin
If you are allergic to any of these antibiotics, then let our team know. We will gladly find a suitable alternative to help you fight a wisdom tooth infection.
After the infection is under control, Dr. Tye may recommend one of two options: wisdom tooth repair or wisdom tooth removal.
Wisdom Tooth Repair
If dental decay (like a cavity) is to blame, then a simple dental filling may be enough to keep the molar healthy and strong. A wisdom tooth with extensive dental decay, however, may require more rigorous treatment, like root canal therapy.
Nevertheless, the decay may be too severe to save the tooth at all. In these cases, wisdom teeth removal is the safest, healthiest option.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Dr. Tye will never recommend oral surgery unless he thinks that it is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, for nearly five million people every year, a wisdom tooth infection warrants oral surgery to remove the affected tooth.
But, wisdom tooth removal has several benefits, including:
- Improving oral health
- Reducing the risk of dental shifting or damage
- Alleviating orofacial pain
- Limiting systemic health issues
If you think that you might need a wisdom tooth removed, then don’t delay. The longer you wait to see Dr. Tye, the more complicated your case gets. So, give yourself a head start and schedule an appointment today.
Suspect a wisdom tooth infection? Call us now!
When it comes to third molar infections, time is of the essence. Schedule your appointment now by calling our Colleyville oral surgery center at (817) 552-3223 or by sending our team a message here.
