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- Patient Comments: Wisdom Teeth - Removal Complications
- Patient Comments: Wisdom Teeth - Recovery
- Patient Comments: Wisdom Teeth - Pain
- Patient Comments: Wisdom Teeth - Cost
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- What are wisdom teeth?
- How do I know if I have wisdom teeth?
- Do all wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
- What are signs and symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth?
- What if the wisdom teeth hurt and they cannot be extracted right away?
- Are home remedies effective for treating wisdom tooth pain?
- How is wisdom tooth extraction performed?
- What is the recovery time after wisdom teeth extraction?
- What can I eat after getting my wisdom teeth out?
- What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth extraction?
- How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
What are signs and symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth?
Pericoronitis is one of the most common indications for emergency extraction of a wisdom tooth and typically happens when there isn't enough room for all of the teeth in the lower jaw. Infection symptoms are red, swollen gum tissue behind the last visible molar, bad taste/smell, pain with biting in the back teeth, and sometimes pus oozing and draining from the area. Occasionally, the infection will lead to swelling of the gum tissue, cheek, or other area around the affected side of the jaw. Swelling can cause pressure on adjacent structures and can radiate to the ear causing an intense earache. Sometimes an ear infection or a sinus infection can cause pain that radiates to the teeth as well, so it is very important to get examined whenever there is suspicion of infection.
What if the wisdom teeth hurt and they cannot be extracted right away?
If there is swelling, infection, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fever, or intense pain, priority needs to be given to getting the wisdom teeth out as soon as possible. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help keep an infection from getting worse or spreading for a very short while. Warm saltwater rinse or antibacterial mouth rinse and OTC painkillers can be used as short-term remedies for tooth pain until more definitive treatment can be obtained. Some large dental schools may offer emergency evaluation and/or tooth extraction.












Patient Comments
Please share your experience with wisdom teeth removal.
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