My right side bottom widsom tooth is always infected/swollen. I went on antibotics for a bit and it helped it go away, but it came back a few days later.
What is it that is making the tooth stay/get so sore?
And is there anything I can do to keep the infection away?
2007-01-12 06:41:31 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
Because it is time to yank those bad boys out of there!
2007-01-12 06:53:51 · answer #1 · answered by Mikey ~ The Defender of Myrth 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to tell without knowing your age and how long ago the tooth erupted. So here is my best assumption. If you’re young, more than likely you have a small flap of tissue on the back side of the tooth that may still be covering the top of the tooth a little. This happens as the tooth erupts and the tissue doesn't quiet get worn away. Sometimes you keep chewing on it and making it sore, or you get food stuck under the flap and it keeps the tissue irritated and inflamed until infection sets it. We know it's hard to get back there and keep it flossed and brushed. That's why most dentist suggest you have them removed....you just can't keep them clean! If you think you have a hard time reaching it, you should try to do a filling or worse yet, a root canal on a third molar. It's no picnic! You can discuss with your dentist about the removal of the flap if that's the case. If it is, it will continue to do this until it erupts further or the flap gets worn down. Or your dentist may advise the removal of it.
If you are older, it's because you haven't been getting the floss/brush back there well enough, or food, popcorn or peanut skin has gotten up under the tissue and caused the inflammation. Sometimes it can be cleaned and flushed out and be just fine. You may even be able to brush and floss with a little more aggressiveness and clear it up yourself. On the other hand, it could be a sign of something worse. In either case, talk with your dentist and see what options he/she has to offer. After all, the dentist knows your mouth better than anyone here. In the meantime try rinsing, alternating with Listerine and warm salt water several times a day. Good luck!
2007-01-12 07:32:25 · answer #2 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being so far back in your mouth, partially erupted (and sometimes, even fully erupted) wisdom teeth are exceptionally difficult to keep clean. If they are partially erupted, they tend to hold a lot of plaque, and end up functioning almost like a reservoir of bacteria. The inflammation around a partially erupted wisdom tooth is called pericoronitis. Generally, if it keeps recurring, the only way to treat it is to have the wisdom tooth extracted. Antibiotics may provide short term relief, but by nature, this problem won't go away for good with any treatment other than anitbiotics.
As a short term solution, if for some reason you don't get it extracted, your dentist may aggresively clean the pockets around the tooth (curettage), flush the area with an antimicrobial solution (irrigation) or provide further prescriptions.
My advice though is if your dentist thinks the best option for you is extraction, don't delay and get it out. That's the only sure solution.
2007-01-12 06:52:47 · answer #3 · answered by jisdds 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
These are the times where I am glad I wasn't born with wisdom teeth. True fact, confirmed by my dentist. The best advice is exactly what everyone else is saying, get them pulled before the infection goes through your body and you will have bigger problems.
2007-01-12 07:03:53 · answer #4 · answered by hazeleyedbeauty1967 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably have a cavity in that tooth...your best bet is to just bite the bullet and get it pulled now.
2007-01-12 06:53:22 · answer #5 · answered by gatekeepers31268 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welll... I hate to state the obvious, but having your wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon will get rid of it!
2007-01-12 06:49:43 · answer #6 · answered by Carolyn R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get it pulled.
2007-01-12 06:48:47 · answer #7 · answered by leavemebe_11 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋