A dental abscess is a localised collection of pus associated with infection in or around a tooth or the surrounding tissues.
An abscess can develop in association with a wisdom tooth or the surrounding gum tissues. Symptoms such as significant swelling, severe or worsening pain, fever or difficulty opening the mouth may require urgent emergency dental assessment.
Causes of a Wisdom Tooth Abscess
A dental abscess may develop when infection affects the dental pulp or tissues surrounding a tooth. The cause and location of the infection determine how it is managed.
Some dental infections can spread into surrounding tissues and require urgent dental or medical assessment. Increasing facial or neck swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing are concerning symptoms that require prompt attention.
The most common causes of a wisdom tooth abscess include:
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Impacted wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth usually emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, although timing varies. A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it does not fully erupt into a functional position because of factors such as available space, tooth position or surrounding structures.
An impacted wisdom tooth may be partly erupted, completely unerupted or positioned at an angle. Some impacted wisdom teeth are associated with problems such as decay, inflammation, cyst formation or changes affecting neighbouring teeth.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can sometimes be difficult to clean, allowing plaque and food debris to accumulate around the surrounding gum. This may contribute to pericoronitis, which is inflammation or infection of the gum tissue around a partly erupted tooth. An abscess may develop in some cases.
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Decay and Gum Conditions
Tooth decay can progress through enamel and dentine and may eventually affect the dental pulp. Where infection develops, an abscess can occur in or around the affected tooth.
Periodontitis affects the tissues that support the teeth and is different from infection of the dental pulp. Both periodontal and tooth-related infections can produce swelling or abscess formation, but they require different assessment and management.
Regular oral hygiene and dental examinations can form part of ongoing preventive dental care. A dental check-up can help assess decay, gum inflammation and other changes where appropriate.
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Dietary choices
Frequent exposure to fermentable carbohydrates can contribute to dental decay, while acidic foods and drinks can contribute to dental erosion. These are different processes. If decay progresses into deeper tooth structure and the pulp becomes infected, an abscess may develop.
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Other factors
Dental trauma can damage the tooth, pulp or surrounding tissues. Some fractures may expose deeper tooth structure and increase the possibility of pulp complications. The urgency of assessment depends on symptoms and the extent of the injury.
Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Abscess
Possible symptoms associated with infection around a wisdom tooth include:
- Tooth or gum pain
- Swelling or redness around the wisdom tooth
- Pain or difficulty when chewing
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Facial or jaw swelling
- Fever or feeling unwell
- An unpleasant taste or discharge from the gum
- Tender or enlarged lymph nodes
- Sensitivity in the affected tooth
These symptoms do not all indicate the same level of urgency. Increasing swelling, severe or worsening pain, fever or difficulty opening the mouth warrant prompt assessment. A dentist can determine whether the problem involves the wisdom tooth, surrounding gum or another dental condition.
How to Treat a Wisdom Tooth Abscess?
If a wisdom tooth abscess or another infection is suspected, Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora can assess the tooth and surrounding tissues. Management depends on the location and extent of the infection, the condition of the wisdom tooth and other clinical findings.
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Drainage
Drainage may be considered for some localised dental or gum abscesses where clinically indicated. Whether antibiotics are also required depends on factors such as the extent of infection, systemic symptoms and individual medical circumstances.
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Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment may be considered if the dental pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected and retaining the wisdom tooth is clinically appropriate.
Root canal treatment involves removing affected pulp tissue and cleaning, shaping and sealing the root canal system.
Further restoration depends on the amount and condition of the remaining tooth structure.
Root canal treatment planning depends on factors including root development, tooth position, restorability and the clinical value of retaining the tooth.
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Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction may be considered where the tooth cannot be predictably restored or where its position and associated disease make removal clinically appropriate. Wisdom tooth extraction may be performed at the dental clinic where appropriate. Local anaesthetic is generally used, while the need for additional sedation or referral depends on the complexity of the extraction and individual circumstances. Post-operative instructions are provided according to the procedure.
Arrange an Assessment for a Wisdom Tooth Infection
If you have pain, swelling or other symptoms around a wisdom tooth, a dentist can assess whether the problem involves pericoronitis, decay, an abscess or another condition and discuss appropriate management.
If you are concerned about a wisdom tooth infection, contact Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora to arrange an assessment.
Seek urgent medical assessment if facial or neck swelling is rapidly increasing, or if you develop difficulty breathing, significant difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe systemic illness or another potentially life-threatening problem.
