Infected wisdom teeth...

Question

I've never had any problems with my teeth before - no cavities, no chipped teeth, nothing. In fact, my teeth were straight enough after I got braces that my dentist decided I should keep my wisdom teeth because they're growing straight. He took an x-ray - this was about 2 years ago.

Now, out of nowhere, my wisdom teeth (which are growing out so that you can see them) are infected. I had to take antibiotics and motrin for the pain, but I don't get to see the dentist until next week. I'm worried, though. I've been told that once your wisdom teeth are infected, you have to get them removed right away. Is this true? I know I'm probably going to have to get them taken out. How long should I wait before doing so now that they're infected?

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

asap. you will feel better and have better oral hygiene.

Answer 2

do you think the antibiotics have helped?  If you are still having pain, swelling, and or drainage or if it appears to be getting worse you should probably have them pulled sooner that later.  

Answer 3

What you are experiencing is called "periocornitis" and is a very common occurrence with the surrounding tissue distal of the 3rd molars.  This is not a tooth infection but is an infection under the tissue of the back portion of the tooth.  This is the most difficult area of the 3rd molars to reach during brushing and flossing since there is loose tissue or a flap covering a portion of the occlusal surface of the tooth.  This condition is also one reason that we recommend the removal of all 3rd molars.  The antibiotics will help and your dentist will possibly clean under the tissue to remove any possible trapped food particles that may have brought this on.  Use a "really warm salt water rinse" swishing vigorously around the 3rd molars, do this several times a day to reduce the bacteria count and help dislodge any particles that may become trapped.  Work hard to keep your teeth and mouth as clean as possible to help clear up the infection.  The down side is that this is painful and can reoccur if you eat certain foods that trap easily under this tissue.  The up side is that it is treatable; this can be surgically corrected or the tissue can be removed by use of an electrosurge dental instrument that cauterizes as it removes the excess tissue.  You may want to check other sites for information on your condition, you can Google periocornitis or use the site I've listed below.  Discuss your options with your dentist.  

Additional information:  You don't necessarily need to have the teeth removed, but it may be your best option if this problem continues.

http://www.atlantadentist.com/pericornit...

Answer 4

If they have room and are growing in straight, you do not need to get them taken out.  New dental study states this.  My guess isthere is a part of your gum still covering the tooth.  What is happening is bacteria is getting under that part of the tissue causing an infection.  The tooth is not infected, the gum is.  You need to continuously take a wash rag with warm salt water and massage around that gum area to keep it clean and rinse with salt water, this will clean it out.  Once the tissue is cleaned out your pain will go away and you won't need them out.