Dental abscess symptoms & treatments – Illnesses & conditions

A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It’s caused by a bacterial infection.

An abscess at the end of a tooth is called a periapical abscess. An abscess in the gum is called a periodontal abscess.

Dental abscesses are often painful, but aren’t always. In either case, they should be looked at by a dentist.

It’s important to get help as soon as possible, because abscesses don’t go away on their own. They can sometimes spread to other parts of the body and make you ill.

This page covers:

Symptoms of a dental abscess

What to do if you have a dental abscess

Relieving your symptoms

Treatments for a dental abscess

What causes dental abscesses?

Preventing dental abscesses

Symptoms of a dental abscess

Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include:

• an intense, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
• pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum
• pain that’s worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep
• redness and swelling in your face
• a tender, discoloured and/or loose tooth
• shiny, red and swollen gums
• sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
• bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth

If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature (fever) and feel generally unwell. In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.

What to do if you have a dental abscess

You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you have a dental abscess. Avoid visiting your GP, as there is little they can do to help.

You can get help from:

• your registered dentist – if it’s out of hours, they should have an answerphone message with details of how to access out-of-hours dental treatment
• NHS 24 111 service – who can give you details of dental services in your area
• your local clinical commissioning group (CCG) – who can tell you the phone number of your local dental access helpline
• your local accident and emergency (A&E) department – if there are no other options or you’re having difficulty breathing

You may have to pay for emergency NHS dental treatment, depending on your circumstances. Read about NHS dental charges.

Relieving your symptoms

While you’re waiting to see a dentist, painkillers can help control your pain.

Ibuprofen is the preferred painkiller for dental abscesses, but if you’re unable to take it for medical reasons, you can take paracetamol instead. Aspirin shouldn’t be given to children under 16.

If one painkiller doesn’t relieve the pain, taking both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the doses shown in the medicine leaflet may help. This is safe for adults, but not for children under 16.

It may also help to:

• avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse
• try eating cool, soft foods if possible, using the opposite side of your mouth
• use a soft toothbrush and temporarily avoid flossing around the affected tooth

These measures can help relieve your symptoms temporarily, but you shouldn’t use them to delay getting help from a dentist.

Treatments for a dental abscess

Dental abscesses are treated by removing the source of the infection and draining away the pus.

Depending on the location of the abscess and how severe the infection is, possible treatments include:

• removing the affected tooth (extraction) – this may be necessary if root canal treatment isn’t possible
• root canal treatment – a procedure to remove the abscess from the root of an affected tooth before filling and sealing it
• incision and drainage – where a small cut (incision) is made in the gum to drain the abscess (this is usually only a temporary solution and further treatment may be needed)

Local anaesthetic will usually be used to numb your mouth for these procedures. More extensive operations may be carried out under general anaesthetic (where you’re asleep).

Antibiotics aren’t routinely prescribed for dental abscesses, but may be used if the infection spreads or is particularly severe.

What causes dental abscesses?

Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.

If you don’t keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.

The following can increase your chances of developing a dental abscess:

• poor oral hygiene – plaque can build-up on your teeth if you don’t floss and brush your teeth regularly
• consuming lots of sugary or starchy food and drink – these can encourage the growth of bacteria in plaque and may lead to decay that can result in an abscess
• an injury or previous surgery to your teeth or gums – bacteria can get into any damaged parts of the teeth or gums
• having a weakened immune system – this includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, and those having treatment, including steroid medication or chemotherapy 

Preventing dental abscesses

You can reduce your risk of developing dental abscesses by keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

To do this, you should:

• use floss or an interdental brush at least once a day to clean between your teeth and under the gum line
• brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day – spending at least two minutes each time
• avoid rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing because this washes the protective toothpaste away – just spit out any excess toothpaste
• cut down on sugary and starchy food and drinks – particularly between meals or shortly before going to bed
• visit your dentist regularly – your dentist can suggest how often you should have a check-up, based on your oral health 

Read more on how to keep your teeth clean and dental check-ups.

Abscessed Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

An abscessed tooth happens when a tooth’s root gets infected with bacteria and pus builds up around it. It’s also called a periapical abscess.

Symptoms

In some cases, the area around the tooth hurts, but not always. If it does, it’s usually a sharp, throbbing pain, especially when you put pressure on your tooth. It might also spread to your jaw or other parts of your face on the side that’s affected.

You also might:

• Be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures
• Have puffy gums
• Notice a bad-smelling odor when you chew with that tooth

If you have swelling in your face and a fever, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room. The infection may have spread to other parts of your body.

Causes

This kind of infection usually happens if a cavity doesn’t get filled or a tooth is injured. Bacteria can get in through the cavity or a chip or crack in a tooth and spread to the root.

You’re more likely to have these kinds of issues if you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day or there’s a lot of sugar in your diet. Sugary foods and drinks help bacteria grow, and that can lead to cavities and other problems.

Diagnosis

An abscessed tooth won’t go away on its own. See your dentist right away if you have signs of one. It’s important to treat it because there’s a chance it could spread to your jaw or other parts of your head or neck. This is especially true if your immune system is weak because of a health condition, like HIV or AIDS. Certain medications, including some cancer treatments, can also make it harder for your body to fight off infections.

To find out if you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist probably will:

• Tap on your teeth. If you have an abscess, it’ll hurt when they touch the affected tooth.
• Take an X-ray. This can tell your dentist if you have an abscess and if it has spread to other parts of your mouth.

An Overview of Dental Abscesses

What Is a Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess, or dental abscess, is an infection of the mouth, face, jaw, or throat that begins as a gum infection, tooth infection, or cavity. These infections are common in people with poor dental health and result from lack of proper and timely dental care.

Different kinds of tooth abscesses include:

• Periapical: This is the most common type. It happens when bacteria infect the pulp inside one of your teeth.
• Periodontal: This is when bacteria infect your gums.
• Gingival: This type is usually caused by something that gets stuck in your gums, like a food particle or a broken tooth.

Tooth Abscess Symptoms

Symptoms of a tooth abscess typically include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness of your mouth and face
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or liquids

Symptoms of advanced infection may include:

Other signs of an abscess might include, but are not limited to:

• Cavities
• Gum inflammation
• Oral swelling
• Tenderness with touch
• Pus drainage
• A hard time fully opening your mouth or swallowing
• General discomfort
• Swollen glands in your neck or upper or lower jaw (a very serious sign)

Continued

When to seek medical care for a tooth abscess

If you think you have an abscess, call your dentist. If you cannot reach a dentist, go to a hospital’s emergency department for evaluation, especially if you feel sick.

• If an infection becomes so painful that it can’t be managed by nonprescription medicines, see your doctor or dentist for drainage.
• If you get a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as a result of a tooth abscess, see your doctor.
• If you have pain you can’t stand, or a hard time breathing or swallowing, seek medical care right away in the emergency room.

Tooth Abscess Causes

The cause of tooth abscesses is direct growth of bacteria from a cavity into the soft tissues and bones of the face and neck.

• Bacteria from a cavity can extend into the gums, the cheek, the throat, beneath the tongue, or even into the jaw or facial bones. A tooth abscess can become very painful when tissues become inflamed.
• Pus collects at the site of the infection and will become more painful until it either ruptures and drains on its own or is drained surgically.
• Sometimes the infection can get to the point where swelling threatens to block the airway, making it hard to breathe. Dental abscesses can also make you generally ill, with nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, and sweats.

An abscess can form when an infected tooth doesn’t get the right dental care. Poor oral hygiene (such as not brushing, flossing, or rinsing properly or often enough), smoking, alcohol, a poor diet, and certain medical conditions and medications can make it more likely that cavities will form in your teeth. The infection can spread to your gums and nearby areas and become a painful tooth abscess.

Tooth Abscess Diagnosis

A doctor or dentist often can use a physical exam to tell if you have a drainable abscess. X-rays of the teeth may be necessary to show small abscesses that are at the deepest part of the tooth.

Tooth Abscess Treatment

Home treatment

Many people who have cavities or toothaches can take NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or pain medicine such as acetaminophen as needed to relieve pain. Check with your doctor first if you have any medical problems or if you take any other medicines.

If an abscess ruptures by itself, warm water rinses will help cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage.

Medical treatment

The doctor may decide to cut open the abscess and allow the pus to drain. It can also be drained through the infected tooth at the start of a root canal procedure. Unless the abscess ruptures on its own, these are usually the only ways that the infection can be cured.

Continued

People with dental abscesses are typically prescribed pain relievers and, at the discretion of the doctor, antibiotics to fight the infection. An abscess that has extended to the floor of the mouth or to the neck may need to be drained in the operating room under anesthesia.

Follow-up care

With a dental abscess, as with every other illness, follow your doctor’s instructions for follow-up care. Proper treatment often means reassessment, multiple visits, or referral to a specialist. Cooperate with your doctors by following instructions carefully to ensure the best possible health for you and your family.

Prevention of a Tooth Abscess

Prevention plays a major role in maintaining good dental health. Daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental checkups can help prevent tooth decay and tooth abscesses.

• Remember to brush, floss, and rinse as directed by your dentist.
• If tooth decay is found early and treated promptly, cavities that could lead to abscesses can usually be corrected.
• Avoid cigarette smoking, and don’t drink too much alcohol.

Outlook for Tooth Abscesses

The recovery is good from a small dental abscess, once it has ruptured or been drained. If the symptoms are improving, it’s unlikely the infection is getting worse. You’ll need follow-up care with your dentist to reassess your infection and to take care of the problem tooth. For example, you may need to have the tooth pulled or have a root canal performed on it.

If it’s not treated, a tooth abscess can spread to the floor of the mouth or to the neck and threaten your airway and ability to breathe. This may be life-threatening unless it’s properly drained.

An untreated infection also can spread to your jaw or other parts of your head or neck. In some cases, it can lead to sepsis, which is a serious infection that spreads through your body.

Symptoms that may Indicate you need your Wisdom Teeth Removed

By St John WA | 20 February 2018
By St John WA | 20 February 2018

Sooner or later, most people will need to get their wisdom teeth removed. It might just be a matter of time before you need to get your own taken out – but how do you know when to say goodbye to those pesky teeth? Often it is a dentist who will decide when you need to get them extracted, by looking at x-rays to determine whether they will cause problems or are at risk of decay.

But first, it is important to know the warning signs of a troublesome wisdom tooth so you can identify the issue as early as possible. Here’s some of the main symptoms to look out for that could signal it is time to see your dentist and have them removed.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Your wisdom teeth are the teeth found at the back of your gums often referred to as your third molars. Most adults have 32 teeth, including 4 wisdom teeth, one in each corner of your mouth and are the last adult teeth to come through, if they come through at all.

They normally grow through (erupt) during the late teens or early 20s and can often cause issues because there’s simply not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly. Due to the lack of space the teeth can come through at an angle or only partially through the gum. This is what is known as impacted wisdom teeth and more often than not are the wisdom teeth that need to be removed.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage to other teeth and other dental problems, including overcrowding of the existing teeth and impaction, either into the neighbouring teeth or into the gum. However, not all wisdom teeth will cause immediate problems and even if they are impacted it might be painless.

Signs & Symptoms

When your wisdom teeth come through, it is usually accompanied by some discomfort. There are a number of side effects that would make it necessary to have your wisdom teeth removed. Here are some of the signs and symptoms you may experience that can be problematic until the tooth is extracted:

Persistent Pain & Infection

One of the most noticeable signs that you need your wisdom teeth taken out is the pain and irritation both at the tooth site and when you open your mouth. Your wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, making them the last to emerge in your mouth and therefore the most common teeth to become wedged-in or impacted. As there is not enough room in the jaw or mouth for them to emerge, instead of coming in straight they can come in sideways, tilted or misaligned in the jaw, pressing up against the teeth in front of it.

An impacted tooth can be painless and you may not even realise that it is there, however when it tries to erupt, the overlying gum may swell and cause pain, which may be felt in nearby teeth or the area on that side. This pain may occur for several days and then disappear for weeks or months before returning. But typically, the pain increases the longer you leave them untreated.

A partially erupted tooth can then collect food, plaque and other debris, which can lead to gum swelling, tooth decay and an infection called pericontis. Pericontis is an infection wherein bacteria from food, plaque and other debris becomes trapped in between the space of the impacted tooth and the gum. If untreated, this infection can spread toward the throat or into the neck.

Stiffness in Jaw & Swollen Gums

As your wisdom teeth come in, they can push against your other teeth and make them move. This in turn can cause discomfort in your jaw, so it feels stiff, sore and difficult to open. This can also cause swelling of both the gum in the back of the mouth or on the side of the jaw.

Red and swollen gums are caused by the flap of extra of gum tissue which resides next to the tooth as a result of the wisdom teeth partially erupting. As mentioned above, this infection is known as pericontis and is caused when particles of food and bacteria get trapped in the tissue and become infected and inflamed over time because it is difficult to clean.

Wisdom teeth can also lead to gum disease at the back of the mouth. Some signs of gum disease and/or infection includes:

• Tender and bleeding gums
• Pain and swelling
• Pus coming from the gum
• The lymph glands under the jaw becoming swollen and sore
• Difficult to open the mouth and swallow
• Fever

Cysts & Cavities

If wisdom teeth are ignored, they can cause cysts and other benign (harmless) jaw tumors, which is a sac of fluid that gets accumulated and will infect the area nearby. As a result, it will damage the roots of your nearby teeth. This can lead to bone destruction – however this is rare.

Impacted teeth can also cause problems such as cavities and tooth decay. If they push on the neighbouring molar, this can lead to tooth movement, which leaves gaps and spaces between our teeth that cannot be easily cleaned while brushing. As a result, they have the potential to collect food and bacteria, which eventually can cause cavities in your teeth.

Sinus Issues & Eating Difficulty

You may be able to tell if your wisdom teeth are coming through if you experience sinus pain, congestion and pressure, especially in the upper jaw area. The growth of teeth and development of its roots can push against the sinuses located right above and behind. Due to this pressure, it can cause headaches and sinus pain.

Misalignment due to your wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to open and close your mouth. As a result, you may experience pain while chewing or biting. Another sign your wisdom teeth are coming through is bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at St John Dental

If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms it may be associated with an impacted wisdom tooth and you should visit your dentist. He or she will examine the area and take x-rays if needed to see where your wisdom teeth are and if they are impacted. If the wisdom teeth are indeed problematic, they may need to be extracted.

At St John Dental, we provide an effective wisdom teeth removal service. If they don’t need to be removed, we will tell you, but if they do, our professional and caring team of experienced St John Dental practitioners will make the process of removing your wisdom teeth as pain free as possible.

Don’t let your wisdom teeth impact on your health. Remember, prevention is better than cure. If you think you need your wisdom teeth removed, contact your nearest St John Dental today and let us take a look.

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Toothache and swelling | healthdirect

On this page

What is toothache and swelling?

Toothache and swelling happens when there’s a problem with your teeth or gums.

If you don’t treat it, toothache can get worse. Visit a dentist as soon as you can.

What symptoms relate to toothache and swelling?

Toothache sometimes starts very suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain may affect not only your tooth, but also your head, ear and jaw. The pain may be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go.

If you have toothache, you may also have a:

• swelling around your tooth and inside your mouth
• swelling of your jaw and face
• pain when chewing
• bleeding from your tooth or gums
• sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use our teeth and dental problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes toothache and swelling?

If you have a toothache, it could be caused by dental problems such as tooth decay, a dental injury, a cracked tooth, a loose filling or a broken filling, inflammation of the pulp inside your tooth, receding gums or a dental abscess.

You can also have painful teeth if you have a sinus infection, a mouth ulcer or a problem with your jaw.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or you have an infection (your mouth is red, swollen, painful and there’s a bad-tasting discharge).

Call your dentist if the toothache lasts for more than 2 days.

How is toothache and swelling diagnosed?

Your doctor or dentist will examine your teeth and may take an x-ray. They will ask you about your pain and talk about your dental history.

How is toothache and swelling treated?

Treatment will depend on the cause of the toothache or swelling. It may include a filling, root canal therapy or a crown.

If you have gum disease, your dentist will recommend regular brushing and will remove any plaque.

Looking after yourself

If you are in pain, get advice from your treating healthcare practitioner on pain relief medicines you can take. Take them regularly and always follow the instructions on the packet.

Make sure you keep your teeth and mouth clean. Brush your teeth after every meal using fluoride toothpaste. If your mouth is sore, use a soft toothbrush.

Eat foods that are easy to chew and swallow and avoid drinks that are very hot or very cold.

Try lying with your head propped up on a pillow, as lying flat can sometimes make dental pain feel worse.

Using clove oil or gargling aspirin are not recommended.

Salt water might help. Mix one teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, then take a mouthful of the liquid and hold it in your mouth so it covers your affected tooth for two minutes, then spit it out. Do not swallow it. Salt water should not be given to children because they may accidentally swallow it, which could make them nauseous or vomit.

Try using a cold compress against the side of your face. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth before placing it against your skin.

If you smoke, try to cut down or quit.

Can toothache and swelling be prevented?

Taking care of your mouth helps prevent toothache and swelling. As well as brushing and flossing regularly:

• eat a healthy balanced diet
• avoid sugary and fatty foods
• drink water containing fluoride
• avoid smoking

Complications of toothache and swelling

It’s important to fix the cause of toothache and swelling. Poor mouth health can destroy the tissues in the mouth, leading to long-term problems. It can make it harder for you to chew and swallow and can affect your nutrition and general health. Untreated dental problems can also affect your overall health.

Resources and support

Find out more about looking after your teeth on the Australian Dental Association’s website.

Get advice on mouth care.

Tooth Abscess

A dental abscess is an infection of the tooth socket. It often starts with a crack or cavity in the tooth. A pocket of pus forms between the tooth and the bone. The infection causes pain and swelling of the gum, cheek, or jaw. The pain is often made worse by drinking hot or cold fluids, or biting on hard foods. Pain may be felt in the facial sinus or in the ear. A severe infection can cause problems with swallowing and breathing.

Causes

• Cavities

• Trauma

• Previous dental work

Symptoms

You will be started on an antibiotic. But, final treatment requires draining the pus. This can be done by removing the tooth or getting a root canal. An oral surgeon typically removes diseased teeth. An endodontist does a root canal. This involves drilling an opening in the tooth to get to access the canals in the root. Once these are reached, the pus can be drained. Then the canals are cleaned and shaped before filling them with a special material called gutta percha. After the infection has healed, a crown is placed over the tooth.

Home care

The following guidelines will help you care for your abscess at home:

• Don’t have hot or cold foods and liquids. Your tooth may be sensitive to temperature changes.

• If your tooth is chipped or cracked, or if there is a large open cavity, apply oil of cloves directly to the tooth to reduce pain. Oil of cloves is sold over-the-counter in pharmacies. Some pharmacies carry an over-the-counter “toothache kit.” This contains oil of cloves and a paste, which can be applied over the exposed tooth to decrease sensitivity.

• Apply an ice pack (ice cubes in a plastic bag, wrapped in a towel) over the injured area for 10 to 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours the first day for pain relief. Continue this 3 to 4 times a day until the pain and swelling goes away. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Never put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.

• You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, unless you were given a different pain medicine to use. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, have ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, or are taking blood-thinning medicines, talk with your healthcare provider before using these medicines.

• An antibiotic will be prescribed. Take it as directed until completed, even if you are feeling better sooner.

Follow-up care

Follow up as advised with an endodontist, or oral surgeon. Even though your pain may improve with the treatment given today, only a dentist, endodontist, or oral surgeon can provide full treatment for this problem.

• If a culture was done, you will be told if the treatment needs to be changed. You can call in as directed for the results.

• If X-rays were taken, they will be reviewed by a specialist. You will be given the results, especially if they affect treatment.

Call

911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing, or wheezing

• Hoarse voice or trouble speaking

• Confusion

• Extreme drowsiness or trouble awakening

• Fainting or loss of consciousness

• Rapid heart rate

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Swollen or red face or eyelid

• Pain gets worse or spreads to the neck

• You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Unusual drowsiness, a headache or stiff neck, or weakness

• Pus drains from the gum or tooth

• You can’t open your mouth wide

Wisdom teeth – Better Health Channel

Wisdom teeth are the molars (back teeth) that come through last, usually in your late teens or early 20s. This is a normal part of mouth development. There are normally four wisdom teeth – two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw – but some people have more, fewer, or even none at all. 

Some wisdom teeth come through without causing any issues, but others are problematic and may need removal or other treatment.

Problems with wisdom teeth

Some wisdom teeth erupt (emerge through the gum) without causing any problems, but sometimes, wisdom teeth come through at an angle and push into the gum or the tooth beside them. This is called impaction.

Impaction of a wisdom tooth can be painful and sometimes causes infection. Brushing these teeth can be difficult. Food and bacteria can get stuck between the wisdom tooth and the tooth next to it, leading to tooth decay and gum infections. 

Crowded wisdom teeth in the upper jaw often lean sideways and rub against the cheek. This may cause ulcers on the cheek and chewing problems.

Your oral health professional may recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed if:

• there is not enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to come through properly – removing a tooth early may help prevent a future problem
• you are experiencing:
  • pain
  • infection
  • damage to other teeth.

They may also recommend keeping a watch on the tooth in case it looks like causing problems later.

Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection

Signs of gum infection caused by wisdom teeth include: 

• red, inflamed gum near the wisdom tooth
• swelling
• pain
• pus coming from the gum
• swollen and sore lymph nodes underneath the jaw
• difficulty opening the mouth and swallowing
• fever
• bad breath.

Treatment for wisdom teeth infection

Infections caused by wisdom teeth can be treated:

• by improving oral hygiene in the area
• by having the area cleaned by a dentist
• sometimes, by the prescription of antibiotics. 

However, the infection may keep coming back if problem teeth are not removed. People who have other health problems, especially people with lower immunity, may have complications from these infections.

Removal of wisdom teeth

X-rays will help to tell if wisdom teeth might cause problems. Some wisdom teeth do not cause problems and do not need to be taken out. 

If your wisdom teeth do need to be taken out, you may be given a local anaesthetic so you won’t feel it – this is the most common pain relief option. Sometimes, however, if your wisdom teeth are deeply impacted (blocked from coming through), or for other medical reasons, you may be offered a general anaesthetic.

Because wisdom teeth are large, the hole where the tooth was may be stitched to help it heal. It is normal for your jaw and gum to be sore, swollen and bleed for a few days after having a wisdom tooth out. 

One possible complication of wisdom teeth removal is a dry socket (alveolar osteitis), when the area where the tooth came from doesn’t heal properly. Bad breath and severe pain from the socket are signs. A dry socket can be successfully treated by your oral health professional.

Problem wisdom teeth are best removed early

Wisdom teeth don’t usually cause any pain until they start to do damage, so it is best to find out if your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems sooner rather than later. 
The roots of wisdom teeth are still forming when you are a teenager, so it is easier to take them out at this age. It may be more complicated if you wait until later in life, when the roots are fully formed. 

Care after surgery for removal of wisdom teeth

Your oral health professional will talk with you about how to care for your mouth after having a wisdom tooth taken out. Some general suggestions include: 

• Take pain-relieving medication if needed (and on advice from your oral health professional).
• Hold warm salty water in your mouth. Do this after meals and no earlier than 24 hours after surgery. 
• Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods for the next few days.
• Don’t smoke for 48 hours after the surgery.
• Avoid alcohol.

Where to get help

Pain after extraction of a wisdom tooth

Pain after extraction of a wisdom tooth is a normal tissue reaction to surgery. “Eights” are larger than other teeth, have a complex root system – 2–5 roots. After the extraction of a wisdom tooth, a wound remains in the jaw and soft tissues. At first, it fills with a blood clot, the hole is tightened within a few days. Therefore, the pain may persist for the first week. A normal reaction from a complication can be distinguished by several signs:

• The pain does not increase;
• discomfort lasts no longer than 7 days;
• body temperature rises to no more than 37.5 ° C;
• there are no other symptoms: general ill health, pain when swallowing, severe edema, high body temperature, restriction of opening the mouth, etc.

Provided that the recommendations of the doctor for the care of the oral cavity are followed, healing occurs quickly and without consequences.

Deletion types

The likelihood of complications depends on whether the removal was simple or complex. Simple removal of the “figure of eight” is carried out when the roots are not intertwined with each other, the tooth is intact, there are no concomitant diseases (pulpitis, periodontitis, etc.)). In this case, the doctor only needs to use forceps or an elevator to extract the tooth.

Difficult extraction is necessary in case of horizontal teething, severe curvature and / or interlacing of roots, destruction of the coronal part, inflammatory complications. A more serious intervention may be required with the incision of the gums or cutting the tooth into parts with a drill, extraction of the figure eight through the hole in the bone tissue of the jaw, suture. There are times when the operation must be performed under general anesthesia.The pain after the procedure can be severe, and swelling of soft tissues (gums, cheeks) can occur. If the unpleasant symptoms subside day by day, we are talking about a normal healing process.

Features of healing

Tissue healing after simple removal lasts 3–7 days – it all depends on local and general immunity, state of health, age of the patient. Already on the 3-4th day, the blood clot in the hole begins to be replaced by granulation tissue. After a week, the tissue fills almost the entire depth of the hole.After a month, the wound is guaranteed to be filled with connective tissue, and after 3 months – with bone. The sockets of the upper teeth heal faster, which is explained by the smaller size of the root system and fewer nerve endings.

In case of difficult removal, they resort to an operation to dissect the gums, drill out the jaw bone. This is necessary because the lower wisdom teeth grow later, they often do not have enough space in the dentition, they occupy a horizontal position or erupt at a large angle, putting pressure on the adjacent teeth.Subject to the doctor’s recommendations, the absence of an inflammatory process, healing after a complex removal does not take much longer than after a simple one. If there was an inflammatory process, pain may persist throughout the antibiotic intake.

What can be the reason for the pain

If the pain intensifies, does not go away within a week, it is possible that a pathological process develops. Severe pain at the site of the extracted wisdom tooth can be associated with one of the common complications of the operation:

• Alveolitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the socket of the tooth.It can occur as a result of washing out a blood clot or its absence, violation of the rules for caring for the oral cavity, penetration of infection into the hole during or after surgery. Also, alveolitis can be associated with leaving a part of the root in the hole;
• damage to small blood vessels. It is associated with traumatic removal. If the capillaries are damaged, not only pain appears, but also a hematoma or swelling of soft tissues, a bruise on the cheek;
• allergic reaction to drugs – anesthetics, hemostatic sponge, if the doctor uses it after removal.

If the pain after the extraction of a wisdom tooth is pathological, then it does not subside, but, on the contrary, tends to increase. Also, swelling, bruising, an increase in body temperature, a general deterioration in well-being, etc. join the symptom. When the inflammatory process joins, bad breath often appears, purulent discharge from the hole or soft tissues, white or grayish plaque on the gums or in the hole, etc. In this case, you must definitely see a doctor.

Jaw hurts

Pain in the jaw after removal of the figure of eight can be associated with several factors:

• Removal is accompanied by rupture of blood vessels, ligaments, nerve endings, tissues that support the adjacent tooth;
• the doctor put pressure on the jaw to gain access to a distant tooth;
• had to keep his mouth open for a long time, the jaw ligaments experienced increased stress.

These are normal symptoms unless you have difficulty opening your mouth and there is no severe swelling of the face or soft tissues in the mouth.

It hurts to swallow

Pain when swallowing more often occurs after removal of the lower “eight”. This is due to the fact that the trigeminal nerve is located close. If he was touched during the operation, pain and increased salivation are observed.

If the cause of sore throat lies in trauma to soft tissues, severe swelling of the gums and cheeks from the side of the extracted tooth occurs.

Also, a sore throat can be of an inflammatory nature if there is an inflammation of the gums, periodontitis or other inflammatory, purulent processes of the causative tooth.

This pain can persist for up to two weeks. To rule out complications, you need to visit the doctor again.

Pulsating pain

The nature of the pain can also indicate the presence or absence of complications. Normally, painful sensations appear immediately after the end of the anesthesia (after 1.5–2 hours). They are moderate, aching, subside after taking the analgesics prescribed by the doctor. Pain does not interfere with sleep at night. Soreness begins to disappear on its own 2-3 days after removal.

Pulsating pain indicates a possible inflammatory process, nerve damage. With neuritis, she can give to the temple, neck, eyes. The pain can interfere with rest or sleep at night, and be unbearable. In this case, it is important to see a doctor.

Recommendations after removing the “eight”

For the healing to proceed quickly and without consequences, it is important to observe the following recommendations:

• Do not eat or drink for the first 3 hours after the operation;
• Give preference to warm, soft foods for the first few days;
• restrict physical activity during the week, especially inclines;
• give up alcohol;
• do not take hot baths, do not visit saunas, baths, beaches;
• Do not “check” the socket at the site of the extracted tooth with your tongue and fingers, do not apply medications to it.

To relieve pain, the doctor will prescribe analgesics and cold compresses. What should not be done after removal is to warm this area. You can and should brush your teeth by gently brushing around the wound. Rinsing should not be carried out during the first day, so as not to wash out the blood clot. Baths with antiseptic solutions are allowed: you need to put the solution in your mouth and hold it, tilting your head towards the extracted tooth, then spit it out.

90,000 why is this happening and what to do

Another cause of pain is incorrect growth

The wisdom tooth grows in the wrong direction relative to the jaw.He does not have enough free space due to the fact that the dentition is already completely
formed. In this case, the “figure eight” can grow towards the adjacent tooth, while not one wisdom tooth hurts, but the entire jaw.
This is dangerous by the destruction of units and the occurrence of crowding of the teeth.

Does a tooth that has already erupted hurt?

If a wisdom tooth hurts, which has already erupted, then the reason may be:

• Caries.Painful sensations occur when sour, sweet or cold food gets in. These symptoms are usually short-lived.
  A situation is possible in which the growth of a wisdom tooth contributes to the destruction of the adjacent tooth – the seventh. Caries of this tooth may be
  localized on the far surface and diagnosed with an X-ray.
• Pulpitis of the wisdom tooth.The pain is paroxysmal in acute pulpitis, or aching and periodic in the chronic form.
• Periodontitis. It happens acute – when, when biting on a wisdom tooth, the pain intensifies, and the gum swells, and chronic – it can leak
  no obvious symptoms. Sometimes with chronic periodontitis, a cyst with purulent discharge can form on the gums. It is very dangerous
  an inflammatory process that can lead to ostiomyelitis.

Should wisdom teeth be removed?

The eruption of wisdom teeth is often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and the presence of an inflammatory process. But still the meaning of “eights”
cannot be underestimated. For example, a wisdom tooth can serve as a support for installing a prosthesis, and in the absence of neighboring painters it contributes
preservation of bone tissue.That is why only a doctor can make a decision about removal or treatment. Must be studied when
this is its location, take into account the presence of pain and external symptoms. With a favorable prognosis of treatment, the tooth can be saved.

Indications for wisdom tooth extraction:

• With a horizontal arrangement of the “figure eight”.In this case, the growth of a wisdom tooth contributes to the destruction of the adjacent tooth, which is why it shifts
  the entire dentition.
• The wisdom tooth grows towards the cheek. With this incorrect position, the pain will intensify when chewing, the cheek is injured. On the background
  persistent mucosal wounds may develop stomatitis.
• Destruction of the wisdom tooth due to pulpitis.This can happen both before and after the eruption of a wisdom tooth.
• With periodontitis, the tooth enamel is completely destroyed. Then the wisdom tooth must also be removed.
• In case of failed therapy.

Removing a wisdom tooth is a rather difficult operation due to the inaccessibility and branching of the roots. High qualifications required
a dentist-surgeon, as well as compliance with all safety and sterility conditions.The removal itself is painless, since it is carried out with
the use of pain medications. But in the process, soft tissues are injured, therefore, after the removal of the wisdom tooth and the cessation of action
anesthesia, the patient has pain. After a few days, the swelling finally subsides, and the pain subsides. This is facilitated by
the appointment of antimicrobial drugs. After removing a wisdom tooth, the doctor gives recommendations on nutrition, lifestyle, hygiene for several
weeks.Thanks to their observance, recovery occurs faster.

How to make the right decision

If, after the diagnosis, the doctor advises to remove the wisdom tooth, then of course the recommendations must be followed. Indeed, with the progression of inflammation
wisdom tooth, serious complications can occur, up to the destruction of the jaw.

Needless to say, there can be no question of any folk remedies in this matter.With the development of the inflammatory process of the wisdom tooth
it is almost impossible to eliminate pain syndrome with the help of ointments and rinses. Self-medication can lead to worsening of the condition and complications.
To prevent this from happening, all manipulations must take place in a clinic and under the supervision of a doctor.

The causes of pain and inflammation of a wisdom tooth are different.A competent specialist will help you figure out what to do in a specific situation. therefore
in case of pain in the area of ​​the “eight”, it is better to immediately seek the advice and help of a dentist.

90,000 Causes of toothache

Each of us has experienced a toothache. It occurs as a result of chemical, mechanical, thermal effects on the nervous apparatus of the dentoalveolar system.Pain occurs as a result of damage to the hard tissues of the tooth, with inflammatory diseases of the periosteum, jaws or soft tissues surrounding the jaw, as well as neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve, sometimes it appears in diseases of the internal organs, with pathology of the bite. More often, toothache occurs with caries and its complications (pulpitis, periodontitis) and with periodontitis.

Occurrence of toothache.

CARIES – characterized by slight soreness from sweet and cold, the presence of a cavity in the tooth.

PULPIT – arises as a complication of caries, with a tooth injury, with excessive exposure to thermal and chemical agents on the tooth. A person has a sharp, spontaneous, paroxysmal pain in the tooth, aggravated at night, radiating to the ear, temple and other teeth.

PERIODONTITIS – inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth. It occurs when inflammation spreads beyond the apex of the tooth in untreated pulpitis in trauma, under the influence of toxic agents.The pain in the tooth is constant, increases when biting on it. The tooth seemed to have grown. There is a headache, malaise. If at this stage you do not go to the dentist, then a more serious disease occurs – PERIOSTITIS . With it, the infection from the root of the tooth gets under the periosteum, where pus accumulates. Depending on the location of the diseased tooth, edema (flux) appears on the face. General health also suffers.

Sufficiently intense pains bother with difficult teething of the “wisdom tooth”.This process is called PERIKORONARIT . In addition to severe pain, pain appears when swallowing and opening the mouth.

If you do not provide help in time and do not start dental treatment, the pus will spread deeper and a formidable inflammatory purulent-necrotic process in the jaw will occur – OSTEOMYELITIS . It requires long-term inpatient treatment.

Often, pain in the teeth appears with gum disease – PERIODONTITIS (inflammatory) and PERIODONTOSIS (destructive disease of bone tissue).Both diseases are common in the elderly. They are concerned about the pain and mobility of the teeth, bleeding and suppuration from the gum pockets.

Another disease in which pain occurs due to thermal and chemical stimuli is HYPERESTHESIA (hypersensitivity) DENTAL TISSUE . It occurs when the necks of the teeth are exposed with periodontitis, increased abrasion of the enamel, wedge-shaped defects and trauma to the enamel of the tooth.

90,000 what to do and how to treat

Ah, those problematic wisdom teeth! How many difficulties they create: not only do they erupt later than the others, but they also deliver terrible pain and discomfort at the same time.What to do with a wisdom tooth if it hurts: treat or remove – we answer one of the most pressing questions of dentistry.

Wisdom tooth is cut: symptoms

Most often, wisdom teeth begin to erupt by the age of 20-30. Although for some people, the “eights” do not grow at all. This is due to the fact that these teeth are a rudimentary organ that has long lost its significance in the process of evolution. However, if you are not one of these lucky ones, then you can recognize the appearance of third molars by the following symptoms:

• swelling, itching and inflammation of the gums behind the last tooth
• pain in the jaw, radiating to the ear and temple
• enlargement of lymph nodes
• soreness when swallowing
• temperature rise

The presence and nature of symptoms depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.There are times when a person does not experience any discomfort and painful sensations during teething: it means that the figure eight grows correctly and does not interfere with neighboring teeth.

Why wisdom tooth hurts

With difficulty in erupting a wisdom tooth, the gum hurts. There may be several reasons for this:

• Dystopia

  This is a situation where the figure eight grows incorrectly relative to the jaw due to lack of space.Injury to the buccal mucosa, as well as the development of various deformities of the bite, can become the consequences of a dystopic tooth, if it is not removed in time.

• Retention

  This is a pathology in which a wisdom tooth erupts with a delay. In this case, the crown of the tooth can be partially cut, or completely hidden under the gum. Late eruption of the “figure of eight” can adversely affect the general well-being of the patient.

• Pericoronitis

  This is an inflammation of the gums that occurs when the eruption of a tooth is difficult or incomplete.The reason for this is the development of infection under the hood of the wisdom tooth – this is the part of the mucous membrane that covers the tooth during eruption. The main symptoms of pericoronatitis are soreness, swelling, and redness of the gums.

What to do with a wisdom tooth: treat or remove

Many people ask the question: “Why do we need wisdom teeth if they have so many problems ?!” Do not think that the “eights” are absolutely useless: nature does not create anything just like that.Wisdom teeth can become a support for the installation of a prosthesis, and also contribute to the preservation of bone tissue in the absence of second molars. If nothing prevents the third molar from erupting correctly, and it is also possible to carry out high-quality therapeutic treatment: in this case, the tooth is saved. However, if your wisdom tooth grows and hurts, be sure to visit your dentist. After examination and diagnosis, the doctor will decide whether to remove the tooth or leave it. If the removal of the problematic “eight” is recommended, do not regret it, but try to prepare for the operation and follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

How to remove a wisdom tooth

Extraction of a wisdom tooth is a rather complicated procedure that requires experience and qualifications from the surgeon. Most often, the operation takes place on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Before the removal procedure, a thorough diagnosis is carried out, and, if necessary, antibiotic therapy is prescribed.

Stages of wisdom tooth extraction:

• Preparation. The gums are cut and separated from the neck of the tooth
• Removal, removal of the bone, which is located above the tooth.Carried out using boron or ultrasound
• Tooth extraction
• Treatment of a well with an antiseptic
• Gum suture

Removing a wisdom tooth is not painful. Thanks to the use of effective and safe pain relievers, you will not feel pain at all during the procedure. And in case of relieving stress and calming the patient – there is sedation.

It is possible to remove a wisdom tooth at any age. The main thing is to find a good specialist who will quickly and accurately carry out this procedure.If, after a few days, the swelling does not subside after the removal of the wisdom tooth, the gums are severely sore or bleeding has opened, consult a doctor immediately.

What can you eat after wisdom tooth extraction

The postoperative period lasts several weeks. To prevent the development of complications, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory, analgesic and restorative therapy to the patient, as well as adherence to a special diet.

After the operation, the surgeon will definitely give you recommendations on the care of the oral cavity after the extraction of a wisdom tooth.

Nutritional advice after wisdom tooth extraction:

• do not eat or drink 2 hours after surgery
• do not eat too hot or cold food for several days
• Prefer soft, viscous or liquid foods
• chew food on the healthy side
• eat fractionally, in small portions
• exclude spicy, salty, sweet, alcohol from the diet
• rinse your mouth after each meal

Compliance with all medical recommendations will help speed up the healing process and avoid the development of inflammation after the extraction of a wisdom tooth.

Wisdom tooth hurts | why the gums ache and how to relieve pain

The wisdom tooth is the third molar tooth, which appears later than the others, and sometimes does not erupt at all. A person cannot have more than 4 wisdom teeth. The approximate time when teething begins is 18 – 27 years old.

Modern experts classify wisdom teeth as rudiments – elements that have lost their role for humans in the course of evolution.The specific location of the third molars causes a number of difficulties in terms of caring for them.

Eights are not loaded like the rest of the teeth. In addition, they almost always have a tendency to cut through painfully. Not surprisingly, they are called the most problematic, and most dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth at the earliest opportunity.

Why wisdom tooth hurts

Wisdom teeth almost always grow crooked. Teething problems are dictated by the following anatomical features:

• “Eights” appear later than all other teeth.As a rule, the jaw bones are fully formed, the dentition is stable, and the “beginner” simply does not have enough space;
• Third molars do not have milk “predecessors”, and the rudiments of wisdom teeth have been developing for too long and in not very favorable conditions. Because of this, they erupt chaotically, while damaging the adjacent tooth or causing inflammation of the gums.

When talking about the causes of pain associated with one or more molars, it is worth distinguishing some concepts.Toothache can occur against the background of abnormal eruption, due to deformations of soft tissues, adjacent teeth. Such a clinical picture is inherent only in the “eights”, the rest of the teeth are cut much more easily.

Reasons

However, the cause of toothache can also lie in rather classic reasons associated with common dental pathologies: caries, periodontal disease or periodontitis. If you systematize all the reasons due to which there is pain in the tooth, you get the following list:

• The wisdom tooth rests too much on the tissues of the oral cavity, squeezing and injuring them;
• The tooth is rotated around its axis.The greater the angle of rotation, the more tense the dental nerve, which provokes pain;
• Carious cavities have formed on the surface of the wisdom teeth, if they have reached the dental tissues, the pain will intensify;
• Tartar deposits have formed, which rubs the gums and causes inflammation;
• Due to the fact that the rapid growth of the figure of eight and the crooked eruption damaged the root system of the adjacent molar, it is this neighboring tooth that hurts;
• If the wisdom tooth, due to an incorrect position, began to clamp the jaw nerve, pain occurs in the lower jaw.In this case, neuritis manifests itself in this way;
• A follicular cyst has formed at the tooth neck. It often occurs against the background of permanent damage to the tissues of the gums and the tooth itself.

It is worth noting that the follicular cyst near the wisdom teeth is often accompanied by all sorts of complications. For example, an abscess may occur that can deform even the jaw in a neglected state. Pericoronitis may also become inflamed and pericoronitis may develop.

Inflammatory processes of the tissue covering the wisdom tooth

Hood inflammation is common. If a wisdom tooth erupts at once with several tubercles of the crown, phenomena may occur when the chewing surface of the crown is partially covered with tissues. The part of the gum and mucous membrane that hangs over the molar is called the hood. He is constantly prone to injury and inflammation.

Particularly favorable conditions for the accumulation of various biological “debris” and the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria are formed under the surface of the hood.Often, even the slightest damage is irritating. The gums around the “eight” may not hurt much, so they do not always turn to such a problem.

However, if the inflammatory process is severe, the tissues not only swell, but also irritate. The patient complains of painful swallowing, sometimes it is difficult even to open his mouth. On the gum near the wisdom tooth, there may be pus, severe hyperemia. Only a doctor can save from such an intrusive and severe dental inflammation by excising the hood.

Space deficit during eruption

If the wisdom tooth does not have enough space in the dentition, adjacent tissues are injured during eruption. The pains are total. It hurts not only the place where the molar erupts, but also the adjacent teeth. There may also be swelling, hyperemia, severe painful sensations that are permanent. It is difficult for the patient to open his mouth, especially if the “eights” grow to the side opposite to the jaw. Such teeth must be removed.This is due to the fact that a crooked tooth can damage the entire dentition, up to its noticeable curvature.

Caries

If a wisdom tooth is affected by caries, the first symptom indicating a disease will be pathological hypersensitivity of the teeth. They will react painfully to any irritants – sour, spicy, salty foods, sweets, cold irritants.

Often there are situations when the curvature of the wisdom tooth injures the adjacent tooth, which causes caries in him.The most dangerous situation is when the G8 damages the root of the neighboring G7. Caries develops just below the gums, and the doctor does not always manage to visually identify the carious focus. At the same time, a severely neglected form of “root” caries is difficult to treat and the tooth is almost never saved.

Pulpitis

In acute pulpitis, which has affected the wisdom tooth, patients complain of acute pain arising from attacks. The disease and its main manifestations are characterized by a spontaneous nature.Unpleasant sensations can occur spontaneously, lasting up to 15 – 30 minutes. The pain increases at night.

In the chronic form of pulpitis of the wisdom tooth, the pain is not so pronounced. Unpleasant sensations of a whining character arise against the background of exposure to cold or heat. If the irritant is removed, the pain continues for some time.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is characterized by aching pains that constantly disturb the patient.At the same time, a sick tooth will react to any stimulus with an acute pulsating, shooting pain. There is also a slight mobility of the affected tooth, in addition, swelling and soreness of the gums is often observed.

Interestingly, with chronic periodontitis, pain almost does not bother. Very minor unpleasant sensations can appear only when tapping on the tissues of the sick “eight”.

Diagnostics

Any pathology associated with problematic eruption of one or more wisdom teeth should always be investigated by means of X-ray diagnostics.To determine the position of the tooth in the jaw (inclination, shape, configuration, structure, how it grows), an orthopantomogram is used.

OPTG is a high-quality panoramic image of all teeth on both jaws. Another diagnostic method that will help you understand why a wisdom tooth hurts is visiography.

Treatment methods

Removal of a wisdom tooth in case of carious lesions or in the event that an extremely problematic eruption is observed, experts practice in people of any age.Pain and inflammation signal a serious problem. If it is not solved in a timely manner, complications cannot be avoided.

Easy Delete

The doctor decides what to do in each specific situation, based on the results of the research. This can be either a simple removal or a rather complex multi-stage operation.

Before the procedure, the specialist must make sure that the patient is not allergic to the drugs that will be used during the manipulations.First, the soft tissue around the tooth and the nerves are numbed. After the anesthesia has worked, the tooth is extracted with forceps. The duration of the entire procedure does not exceed 10 minutes.

Complex removal

If the crown of a tooth is destroyed, it has large branched roots, and also, if the “figure eight” has not erupted at all, and the whole jaw is involved in the inflammatory process, complex removal is practiced. During the intervention, the dental surgeon makes one or more incisions, removes the tooth, rinses the wound surface, and then sutures.

It is also worth mentioning the procedure for excising the hood. If it is the wisdom tooth that hurts at the time of eruption due to inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane, the doctor removes fragments of “excess” tissue. Situations are possible when the wisdom tooth is not removed, but only soft tissues are corrected. This is true if the tooth itself does not hurt and is positioned correctly in the hole.

90,000 what to do when a molar climbs and everything near it swells up, where to relieve inflammation due to pain

Contents of the article

1. Reasons: why the gum near the wisdom tooth becomes inflamed when it climbs
2. Symptoms when the gum hurts from a wisdom tooth
3. What to do in case of inflammation
4. Possible complications during growth
5. Prevention

Teething “eights” is a painful process, which is often accompanied by fever.Most often, these four indigenous formations begin to appear only in adulthood, which is why they got their popular name. Let’s figure out what to do when the gum near the wisdom tooth is swollen, inflamed and sore.

Their additional name is third molars. The so-called 6,7 and 8 rows, that is, that part of the jaw, which is intended for chewing rough food. This determines their specific structure (large root base, width) and strength. But this is also the main root cause of painful processes during growth, because the larger the area of ​​the upper edge, the more difficult it is to break the skin and pass through it.Moreover, the bone tissue has already been formed, so the “eights” need to literally break through their path, which leads to the formation of edema, suppuration, swelling and other unpleasant consequences.

Reasons: why the gums near the wisdom tooth become inflamed when it climbs

Remember the symptoms with which teeth erupt for the first time in a six-month-old baby. The situation is somewhat better among five-six-year-olds. But in both cases, the same painful process occurs – the dental plate literally breaks, injures the mucous membrane in order to cut through and come out.All this can cause pain, inflammation, itching. Children are prepared for this procedure, while an adult is going through everything much more difficult, because for 20-30 years or more of life, a person could undergo many dental diseases, which only add complexity.

In addition, the oral cavity is more likely to contain pathogens that are spread due to food debris and bad habits. And bacteria can cause suppuration, intensify the infectious process.

The main reasons why the gums hurt due to a wisdom tooth are:

• Physiological structure of the jaw plate.
• Various diseases and pathological conditions.

Let’s consider the factors and possible pathologies in more detail.

Abnormal growth of the third molar

Most often, doctors encounter the situation of the wrong direction of the eruption of the figure of eight. That is, it strives with its upper end not upwards, but to the side. Thus, it “crowds” the nearest neighbors, and also pinches the nerve endings, leads to a shift in the entire row and even to malocclusion in cases where no measures were taken.

There are two types:

• Inclined arrangement. During it, the bone formation compresses the facial nerve and irritation occurs not only of the mucous membrane, but also of the cheeks or even the neck. The patient may mistakenly localize pain as throat pain, confuse a symptom with an ENT disease.
• Horizontal. It is even more dangerous, since the molar can compress the root system of the nearest “seven”, causing damage to the nerve endings and blocking the blood flow.All this, most likely, will lead to the destruction of the 7 and to a large inflammation of the gums near the wisdom tooth.

Occurrence of pericoronarite

This term refers to the appearance of a gingival “hood” that covers part of the bone tissue. Food particles accumulate under the formed fold, forming an ideal environment for the development and spread of bacteria. Suppuration develops in the focus, which leads to swelling, swelling of the area, bad breath and the release of purulent exudate when pressed.The latter does not always happen, since the fold often remains tightly closed.

There are several reasons for the occurrence of pericoronaritis, among them:

• Little space on the jaw plate.
• The dental sac is very dense, it is difficult to erupt.
• Thick mucous membrane that also prevents successful rupture.

Additional symptoms – pain when chewing and swallowing food.With such a pathology, but the correct direction of growth, dentists most often make an incision in the skin fold and sanitize this area with the complete elimination of pus and other signs of infection.

Inflammation of the tissues near the wisdom tooth due to gum disease

Often the “figure eight” erupts painfully. The back of the jaw begins to ache and bleed. The most common diseases encountered in patients:

• Gingivitis – the marginal area of ​​the gums and interdental papillae, as well as the entire mucous membrane, are subject to an inflammatory process.
• Periodontitis – the surrounding tissue structures are destroyed, which leads to poor stability of the dental plates. They can begin to loosen, and in a serious form of the disease, even begin to fall out.
• Periodontal disease is a severe lesion of the periodontium, which is located near the root.

In all of these cases, the most common symptoms are:

• Puffiness.
• Bleeding.
• Pain.
• Redness.

The adjacent third molar begins to grow, affects the affected mucous membrane and nerve endings, provoking even greater soreness, which can be accompanied by the appearance of a tumor up to suppuration. When treating, you must first pay attention to the root cause.

The gum under the wisdom tooth hurts due to caries

In this context, we are not talking about teething itself, but about the further development of the “eights”. They, like other rows, can be subject to carious changes.This is a long-term process that develops due to the action of pathogenic microorganisms and additional unfavorable factors. It passes slowly and leads to a violation of the integrity of the bone tissue. Cavities are formed, the expansion of which can cause many inconveniences, as well as expose the nerve endings. Therefore, molars that are prone to caries are usually removed. They are healed only in those cases when they plan to use them in the future for the installation of implants.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Its structure is branched and literally covers the entire face, dividing into three bundles:

• ophthalmic;
• maxillary;
• mandibular.

During the eruption of the 8, pinching or squeezing, or irritation may occur. It also happens when the dentition moves apart (horizontal atypical growth), and at the time of removal. Usually the pain is very strong, shooting. And its localization depends on what exactly was pinched.

Symptoms when the gum hurts from a wisdom tooth

It is quite difficult not to notice this manifestation, since the arising pain sensations are considered one of the most powerful.But if they are not localized correctly, you can confuse a dental problem with otitis media (shoots in the ear) and other ENT diseases. The symptoms of inflammation are as follows:

• Soreness worse when chewing food.
• The mucous membranes around are swollen.
• The cheeks, lips, cheekbones have acquired puffiness.
• Second and third molars may start to wobble.
• Formation of a purulent fistula.
• Discoloration of integuments, they can become deep red, white or bluish.
• Bleeding, especially when brushing.
• The affected area becomes hot. Often the teething process takes place in conjunction with a general increase in body temperature.
• Halitosis, that is, bad breath.
• Large and painful lymph nodes on palpation.
• Pain on swallowing and strong opening of the mouth.
• Itching, throbbing sensation.

But sometimes it happens that the appearance of crowns is accompanied only by the fact that the gums above the wisdom tooth are swollen, but there are no additional symptoms.But it is still necessary to visit the dentist, since the formation of pathology can take place in a latent form. For any dental services, you can contact the Dentica clinic. Professional dentists and courteous medical staff work here.

What to do in case of inflammation

The first correct decision is to see a doctor.

Depending on the nature of the discomfort, the eruption process can be complicated by additional diseases.The problem can be solved only by a dentist (often a surgeon), who, as a rule, cuts the dental “hood”, or prescribes pulling out together with the root, less often – removing the nerve. But it is possible to alleviate the condition if the gum is inflamed behind the wisdom tooth, even at home. We will present several effective methods.

List of pain medications

Analgesics are intended for pain relief. They block nerve impulses that travel from the spasmodic area to the brain.

You need to understand that taking such pills is not a panacea, but only the elimination of a symptom, and the effect extends on average for 8-12 hours. We strongly recommend that you do not overuse analgesics and do not prescribe them yourself. Be sure to contact your dentist if you have problems. When visiting the clinic, the specialist may prescribe you:

• Tempalgin. It also lowers the temperature. The daily dose is 3 capsules with an equal time interval.
• “Ketans”. A very effective medicine, it helps to remove a little fever. Do not take more than 2 days in a row at a dosage of 10 mg every 4-6 hours. Therefore, it is used as an emergency aid, for example, before visiting a doctor.
• “Askofen”. Consists of acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol. You need to drink 1-2 tablets three times a day after meals.
• “Ksefokam”. A non-steroidal drug that mainly consists of lornoxicam. Drink no more than 16 mg per day, dividing the medicine into 2-3 doses.

Anti-inflammatory therapy when the gums are inflamed near the wisdom tooth

It is also possible to relieve inflammation with local preparations (ointments) or medicines. The dentist can advise:

• Nise. You can take no more than 200 mg per day.
• “Nurofen” based on ibuprofen. It is allowed to drink 4 capsules every day.
• Nimesil. Sold in the form of a suspension powder, it perfectly removes redness, swelling and pain.

Ointments and gels

They promote local anesthesia.The good news is that you can use them without actually worrying about your overall health. Some of them, for example, are allowed during pregnancy. And also the plus is that they can be applied more often – after each meal and just as needed. But before using it, be sure to read the instructions and consult a doctor. They are usually prescribed to relieve mild symptoms with normal eruption upward, without additional pathologies. Ingredients:

• Dentinox.
• Traumeel S.
• Holisal.
• Kamistad.

Folk remedies that will help if the gum is inflamed and severely sore, where the wisdom tooth is

Rinsing is also good for pain, has an antiseptic effect, relieves inflammation and redness. Suitable for these purposes:

• Soda solution with salt.
• Tincture on calendula leaves and / or chamomile flowers.
• Decoction of oak bark.

Do not self-medicate for any ailment. Go for a consultation with a specialist who will give you a personalized prescription and help.

Surgical treatment

Excision of the fold is necessary when the sensations become unbearable, the “hood” is strongly inflated, swells, and a purulent focus forms inside. In this case, the surgeon removes the upper part of the gum and rinses the contents of the pouch.

Delete

This is usually required when the figure eight grows in the wrong direction and can injure a nearby tooth or damage nerves.It is also recommended for significant carious lesions.

Possible complications with growth

Often, eruption is accompanied by suppuration, abscess formation, pericoronaritis, paradental cyst. In addition, the problem often spreads to neighboring healthy second molars – caries and pulpitis are diagnosed. Nerve endings are often affected.

Prevention

It is practically impossible to change the atypical arrangement of 8-ok. But you can prevent the soreness that occurs due to dental diseases.To do this, you should carefully observe daily hygiene, as well as regularly make an appointment for an examination with a dentist, and heal sore areas. Also change your toothbrush once a month, rinse after every meal, and floss.

In the article, we told what to do if the gum near the wisdom tooth is inflamed and sore, what medicines will help solve this problem. Timely contact the dentistry “Dentica” so that the doctor not only removes the symptoms, but also eliminates the cause of the sensations.

90,000 What to do when wisdom teeth hurt?

According to statistics, it is wisdom teeth that most often cause problems. The erupted “eights” are quickly affected by caries, and sometimes even remain in the bone tissue and in most cases cause discomfort. So what to do with a wisdom tooth when it hurts, haunting day and night? Is it worth keeping the G8, or is it better to delete it?

What is known about wisdom teeth?

They got their name because they begin to erupt in the period from 18 to 30 years.Scientists consider them a rudimentary organ that does not carry any functional load when chewing food.

Usually recumbent “eights”, which grow horizontally in the jaw, cause discomfort. They do not have enough space to cut through, and they press on the adjacent teeth. As a result, the entire dentition is displaced. Moreover, recumbent “eights” severely injure the gums, which leads to chronic inflammation.

Signs of wisdom teeth eruption

• Pain in the jaw radiating to the ears and temples
• Inflammation, swelling and itching of the gums behind the last tooth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Temperature rise
• Painful swallowing
• Persistent runny nose
• Difficulty opening the mouth

What are wisdom teeth

For “eights” who have difficulties with teething, there are special terms in dentistry – “dystopic” and “impacted”.

Dystopic teeth are those that grow incorrectly due to lack of space in the jaw. Usually they are displaced towards the tongue, cheeks, or are located at an angle. Impacted teeth are teeth that have not erupted if they remain completely in the bone.

Why wisdom tooth hurts and gums become inflamed

• Dystopia . Due to the incorrect position during eruption, the soft tissues of the cheek are injured, and bite deformities also appear.
• Retention . Late eruption affects the general well-being of the patient.
• Pericoronite . Inflammation of the gums occurs when the “figure eight” erupts. Soreness, swelling and redness appear.
• Caries . It is quite difficult to qualitatively remove plaque from the surface of a wisdom tooth, since the “eight” is located far away. The result is tooth decay.

What to do: treat or remove a wisdom tooth

When the figure eight causes severe discomfort, you need to see a specialist. After the examination, he will conduct a diagnosis. Tooth treatment is possible only if there are no caries complications. With pulpitis and periodontitis, removal is definitely required. Our doctors will take care of your comfort and perform the operation painlessly.

Stages of wisdom tooth extraction

• Diagnostics .A panoramic shot of your jaw provides comprehensive information on the location of the figure-of-eight.
• Anesthesia . Local anesthesia is performed, after which you will not feel the surgeon’s manipulation.
• Removal . The doctor carefully extracts the tooth and treats the hole with an antiseptic.

Recommendations after wisdom tooth extraction

Recovery will be faster if you heed the advice of a specialist.Do not eat for the first 2-3 hours. Try to refrain from smoking, alcohol, spicy and hot foods, physical activity, and hot water treatments such as baths or saunas. Brush your teeth gently without touching the socket. Take medication as prescribed by your doctor as needed.

If you have problems with a wisdom tooth, do not self-medicate. It is better to immediately contact the “ActiveDent” dentistry, where you will be provided with qualified assistance.

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