Wisdom Tooth Infections & Impactions: Symptoms, Pain Relief & Treatment

Most people get their wisdom teeth or third molar between the ages of 16 to 25. The problem occurs when the jaw bone is not wide enough to accommodate these teeth and they become impacted or stuck under the gums.

Pain and Swelling

• With the eruption of the wisdom teeth the gums become swollen and painful. This pain can be controlled with painkillers and saltwater gargles.

Tooth Decay

• Once wisdom teeth erupt they come in contact with food particles which get stuck to them, causing the tooth and possibly the adjoining teeth to decay. This results in excruciating pain and swelling.

Gum Infection

• When food particles and bacteria get stuck to the wisdom teeth, they can cause an infection or pericoronitis if left unattended. The mouth becomes painful and swollen, causing bad breath.

Cysts

• When the tooth is impacted and there is the onset of infection, fluid-filled cysts appear on the gums, causing tooth damage, a major shift in the set of teeth and bone destruction.

Tumors

• The cysts that appear around the infected area, when not treated, can develop into tumors. These tumors, if not removed, cause major damage, displace teeth and fracture jaws.