What Does an Infected Wisdom Tooth Look Like? Recognizing the Signs of Trouble
An infected wisdom tooth can cause significant pain and discomfort, and knowing what to look for is crucial for prompt treatment. While the exact appearance can vary, several common signs indicate an infection. This article will help you identify potential issues and understand what steps to take.
What are the visible signs of an infected wisdom tooth?
An infected wisdom tooth might present with several visible symptoms. These include:
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Swelling: Significant swelling around the tooth and jawline is a hallmark of infection. The swelling can be localized to the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth or spread to a larger area of the face. You may notice puffiness or a noticeable increase in the size of your jaw.
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Redness: The gums surrounding the infected wisdom tooth will typically appear red, inflamed, and tender to the touch. This redness can extend beyond the immediate area of the tooth.
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Pus: The presence of pus is a clear indication of infection. This pus may be visible as a yellowish or whitish discharge from the gum tissue near the wisdom tooth. It can also accumulate under the gum line, making it less visible.
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Bleeding: While not always present, bleeding from the gums near the infected wisdom tooth can occur. This often indicates a more severe infection.
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Visible Damage: In some cases, part of the wisdom tooth may be visible above the gum line, showing signs of decay or damage that have contributed to the infection.
What other symptoms accompany a visible infection?
Visual symptoms are often accompanied by other, less visible, indications of an infection:
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Severe Pain: This is typically a throbbing, intense pain, often radiating to the ear, jaw, or temple. The pain can be constant or come and go in waves.
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Bad Breath (Halitosis): The infection can cause a persistent unpleasant odor in your breath.
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Difficulty Opening Your Mouth (Trismus): Severe infection can make it difficult to fully open your mouth.
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Fever and Chills: A high fever accompanied by chills can indicate a more systemic infection that requires immediate medical attention.
What if the wisdom tooth is impacted and not fully erupted?
Even impacted wisdom teeth (those that haven't fully broken through the gum line) can become infected. In these cases, visual signs may be limited or absent. You might still experience pain, swelling (often deeper within the gum), and other symptoms mentioned above, even without seeing visible signs of infection on the surface. A dental X-ray is crucial for diagnosing infections in impacted wisdom teeth.
When should I see a dentist about a potentially infected wisdom tooth?
If you suspect you have an infected wisdom tooth, seek professional dental care immediately. Do not attempt to treat this at home. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including the spread of infection to other areas of the body, and may necessitate more extensive treatment like surgery.
Can an infected wisdom tooth be treated without removal?
In some cases, an infected wisdom tooth can be treated with antibiotics to fight the infection. However, if the infection is severe or recurring, or if the tooth is severely damaged or impacted, extraction (removal) is usually necessary. The dentist will determine the best course of action based on the severity of the infection and the overall condition of the tooth.
Remember: This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified dentist for diagnosis and treatment of any oral health concerns. Early intervention is key to resolving an infected wisdom tooth and preventing complications.
