A wisdom tooth abscess is a serious dental condition that requires prompt attention. This condition occurs when bacteria enter the tooth’s root or surrounding gum tissue, leading to a painful swelling filled with pus. If left untreated, it can cause severe infections, spread to surrounding tissues, and even become life-threatening. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually emerge in the late teens or early twenties, but because they often lack space to grow properly, they can become impacted, increasing the risk of dental abscesses. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, swollen gums, or a bad taste in your mouth, you may have a wisdom tooth abscess and should see a dentist immediately.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about wisdom tooth abscesses, including their causes, symptoms, and the best dental treatment options.
What Is a Wisdom Tooth Abscess?
A wisdom tooth abscess is a pus-filled swelling resulting from a bacterial infection around a wisdom tooth. It typically forms when an impacted wisdom tooth traps food particles and bacteria, leading to an infection. Over time, this can result in an abscessed tooth, which can cause intense pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
Different Types of Dental Abscesses
An abscess can develop in various areas of the tooth or surrounding gum tissue:
- Periapical Abscess: Occurs inside the tooth’s root, usually due to dental decay.
- Periodontal Abscess: Forms in the gums due to gum disease or an infection in the surrounding tissues.
- Pericoronal Abscess: Develops around partially impacted wisdom teeth, where bacteria become trapped under the gum flap.
Regardless of the type, all dental abscesses need urgent treatment to prevent serious complications.
What Causes a Wisdom Tooth Abscess?
There are several reasons why a wisdom tooth may develop an abscess, including:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to brush with fluoride toothpaste, use dental floss, and visit the dentist regularly increases the risk of dental decay and infections.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle or remain partially impacted, they create spaces where bacteria enter, leading to an infected tooth.
3. Tooth Decay
A wisdom tooth with dental decay is vulnerable to bacterial infections, which can reach the tooth’s root.
4. Gum Disease
Untreated gum disease weakens the surrounding tissues, making it easier for bacteria to spread.
5. Weakened Immune System
Certain health conditions like diabetes or immune system disorders can increase susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Recognising the Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Abscess
A wisdom tooth abscess can present with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to intense pain. Here are some common indicators:
1. Persistent and Radiating Pain
Pain from a wisdom tooth abscess is often intense and can spread to the jaw, ear, and neck. You may feel discomfort when chewing, talking, or even drinking hot or cold food.
2. Swollen Gums and Facial Swelling
The affected area may become inflamed, red, and painful to touch. If your wisdom teeth are infected, the swelling can extend to the lower jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth.
3. Bad Taste and Persistent Bad Breath
A wisdom tooth abscess can cause a bad taste in your mouth and bad breath, even with regular brushing.
4. Pus Formation
A yellowish discharge near the wisdom teeth is a sign of bacterial infection.
5. Fever and Fatigue
A severe infection can trigger fever, chills, and overall weakness.
6. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing
In extreme cases, the infection spreads beyond the oral cavity, affecting the throat and airway. This is a dental emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Complications of an Untreated Wisdom Tooth Abscess
Neglecting a wisdom tooth abscess can lead to severe complications affecting both oral health and overall well-being. Because a dental abscess is a bacterial infection, if left untreated, it can spread beyond the affected tooth and cause severe complications, some of which can be life-threatening.
Here’s what can happen if a wisdom tooth abscess is left untreated:
1. The Infection Spreads to Surrounding Tissues
1. The Infection Spreads to Surrounding TissuesA wisdom tooth abscess doesn’t stay in one place. Over time, the infection spreads to the surrounding tissues, including the gums, jawbone, and even the neck or sinuses.
- Ludwig’s Angina: A severe, rapidly spreading infection affecting the floor of the mouth and neck, which can block the airway and cause breathing difficulties.
- Cellulitis: The infection can extend to the soft tissues of the face and neck, causing painful swelling and inflammation.
If the infection has spread beyond the oral cavity, it can become difficult to treat with antibiotics alone, and surgical drainage may be required.
2. Tooth and Bone Loss (Osteomyelitis)
An abscessed tooth can weaken the jawbone over time, leading to tooth loss and bone infection (osteomyelitis).
- The bacterial infection can penetrate the jawbone, causing significant bone damage.
- In severe cases, dentists may need to remove the affected bone to prevent further deterioration.
- If the affected area requires reconstruction, dental implants may not be a viable option due to the weakened bone structure.
3. Formation of a Dental Cyst or Fistula
When an impacted wisdom tooth gets infected, it can result in the development of a dental cyst or fistula.
- Dental Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that forms around the infected tooth, which can damage the jawbone and other teeth.
- Fistula: A pus-filled passage that forms between the infection site and another area of the mouth or skin, allowing pus to drain.
These conditions may require surgical removal and oral surgery to prevent further complications.
4. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
If the wisdom tooth abscess is in the upper jaw, the infection spreads to the sinus cavities, leading to sinusitis.
- Symptoms include facial pressure, nasal congestion, headaches, and a bad taste in your mouth.
- This type of bacterial infection can be hard to treat and may require antibiotics and drainage procedures.
5. Sepsis – A Life-Threatening Infection
If the infection spreads into the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
- Symptoms of sepsis include fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and difficulty breathing.
- Once the infection reaches the bloodstream, hospitalisation and intravenous (IV) antibiotics are required.
- If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in organ failure and death.
6. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing (Airway Obstruction)
A severe infection can cause extensive swelling, leading to difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- This is often due to swelling in the throat caused by a wisdom tooth abscess.
- If the swelling blocks the airway, emergency surgery may be required to prevent suffocation.
This is considered a dental emergency, and immediate treatment at an emergency room is necessary.
7. Increased Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
There is growing evidence linking oral infections like dental abscesses to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Bacteria from an untreated abscess can enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation of the arteries.
- This can contribute to conditions like endocarditis, where bacteria infect the heart’s inner lining.
- People with pre-existing heart conditions are at even greater risk.
8. Chronic Pain and Discomfort
If an abscessed wisdom tooth is left untreated, it can cause ongoing pain that worsens over time.
- The pain caused by a dental abscess can become radiating pain, spreading to the jaw, neck, and head.
- Everyday activities such as eating, drinking hot or cold food, and speaking become difficult and painful.
- Over time, the pain can become so severe that it affects sleep quality, work performance, and daily life.
How a Wisdom Tooth Abscess Is Treated
Once diagnosed, a dentist will recommend the best dental treatment depending on the severity of the infection.
1. Wisdom Teeth Removal
If the abscess is caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, a wisdom teeth removal procedure may be necessary. This surgical or invasive procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic.
2. Tooth Extraction
If the wisdom tooth is too damaged, a tooth extraction is required to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
3. Root Canal Treatment
If the tooth’s root is infected but curable, a root canal treatment may be performed.
4. Draining the Abscess
In some cases, the abscess can be drained using a sterile saline solution to remove pus.
5. Antibiotics and Pain Management
A dentist may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to control the bacterial infection.
How to Stop a Wisdom Tooth Abscess Before It Starts
You can reduce the risk of a wisdom tooth abscess by maintaining good oral health:
- Brush twice daily using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles.
- Use a warm salt water rinse to keep the gums healthy.
- Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups.
- Avoid sugary foods, which contribute to dental decay.
Signs It’s Time to See a Dentist
A wisdom tooth abscess should never be ignored. If you experience any of the following, see a dentist immediately:
- Stubborn pain caused by your wisdom teeth.
- Swollen gums and facial swelling.
- A foul taste in your mouth despite good hygiene.
- Fever or chills, indicating a severe infection.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing, suggesting the infection has spread.
Ignoring these symptoms can result in serious oral health problems that may require emergency treatment.
Why Early Treatment Matters: Final Thoughts
A wisdom tooth abscess is a severe dental issue that demands immediate dental treatment. Whether it’s wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, or tooth extraction, addressing the issue early can prevent severe complications.
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms, contact Advanced Dental Care at (02) 6188 7103 to discuss your options and restore your healthy smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- Healthline
Healthline. (n.d.). Autoimmune disorders. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders - WebMD
WebMD. (n.d.). What are dentigerous cysts? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-are-dentigerous-cysts - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Wisdom teeth: Symptoms & causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808 - Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Wisdom teeth removal. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22119-wisdom-teeth-removal
