Wondering if You Have a Wisdom Tooth Infection?

The first thing you should do if you think you may have a wisdom tooth infection would be to contact your dentist or oral surgeon.  They will be able to give you a concrete diagnosis to see if it is definitely an infection or see if some other type of dental issue may be causing problems. They would then be able to start you on a course of treatment such as antibiotics.

This is nothing to take your time with, as it can get worse…not to mention, the pain can become unbearable and the whole experience can just make your days unpleasant.

The first sign that you may have a wisdom tooth infection would the obvious – pain in the area where the tooth is. You may also end up experiencing headaches, neck and throat pain, swollen lymph glands under the jaw, and jaw pain.  And if that wasn’t enough, add on the possibility of bad breath, bad taste in your mouth, pus drainage, and swelling of the face and jaw.

As you can imagine, it would also be very uncomfortable and difficult to eat, not to mention negatively affect your appetite.

In addition to antibiotics, your dentist or oral surgeon will also be able to recommend the best type of pain relievers and numbing gels that you would be able to buy at your local drugstore. You may also find some relief by gargling salt water.

Will You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

An infection can get cleared up, however, if you are already having issues with like this, it would be a wise idea to have your wisdom teeth removed or you may find yourself dealing with recurring infections.

Looking for a top oral surgeon in Surrey for wisdom teeth removal? Give us a call at New England Oral & Facial Surgery and book a consultation today: 604-507-0514.

 

 

Be Proactive – Schedule Wisdom Teeth Removal in the Summer!

Time flies, and even though it’s only February, it will be summer before you know it!  This is the perfect time to start thinking about booking an appointment to get your children’s wisdom teeth extracted.

After a wisdom tooth surgery, there is a period of recovery.  If this happens during the school year, missed days and missed classes can lead to stress. Scheduling in the summer means there is plenty of time for rest and relaxation vs. worrying about upcoming exams and missed assignments.

Plus, if your children are leaving for college or university, you want them to be fully recovered vs. being away from home, having to deal with pain or a problem that could erupt when they are by themselves.  It will give you peace of mind to know that they are completely healed in your presence.

One of the risks to be cautious of is referred to as “dry socket” which occurs when the blood clot from the surgical site has been dislodged.  Other complications may include swelling and bleeding. The more time for rest that the patient has, the less of a chance of something going wrong.

If you are in the Vancouver / Surrey area, call us for more information about wisdom teeth removal today!

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that the majority of people get in their late teens or early twenties. The problem with wisdom teeth is they are often misaligned. Poor alignment can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, and/or nerves. This is why they require removal.

Wisdom teeth become misaligned when they grow in:

  • Horizontally
  • Angled toward or away from the second molars
  • Angled inward or outward

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped within soft tissue and/or the jawbone. They may also only partially break through the gums. Partial eruption leaves an opening for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. The infection can then result in swelling, pain, a stiff jaw, and general illness. This can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease because the awkward positioning makes it very difficult to brush or floss properly.

How do I know if I have wisdom teeth?

Your dentist can take an x-ray, which will show if they are present. It will also show how they are growing in. Your dentist may also recommend that you see an oral surgeon who will be able to further evaluate your situation.

Will the surgeon want to remove my wisdom teeth?

If your teeth are showing signs of future problems, the surgeon will often recommend that they be extracted. If the procedure is put off too long, it could become more painful and/or complicated, so it is wise to get them removed sooner than later. As the saying goes “It is better to be proactive than reactive”.

Removal is easier for younger patients (ages 17 to 21), as the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed yet. The bone is also less dense, as compared to older patients. As with other surgeries, younger people often heal faster as well.

Wisdom teeth should be removed as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Infection of soft tissue
  • Gum disease
  • Tumors
  • Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
  • Damage to nearby teeth
  • Extensive tooth decay

Call us for more information about wisdom teeth removal.