Introduction
The wisdom teeth in our dentition are a relic from the stone age. Nowadays they are more known as problem makers, because they are often not properly positioned in the jaw and can cause inflammation with severe pain after the breakthrough has begun. Inflammation of the wisdom tooth also occurs when oral hygiene is inadequate and can cause severe pain if left untreated. The only remaining treatment option is often the visit to the dentist, who will surgically remove the wisdom teeth.
Symptoms – An Overview
Every human being normally has one wisdom tooth in each quadrant, so there are four in total. They either break through completely, only partially, or remain in the bone for a lifetime and never cause problems. Located far back in the mouth, they are usually difficult to clean and are often neglected. The tooth becomes carious and the surrounding tissue can become inflamed. The inflammation shows through:
- Reddened gums around the wisdom tooth
- Pus formation under the crown of the wisdom tooth
- Pain and swelling in the back of the mouth and possibly in the face and jaw
- Pocket formation
- Strong bad breath due to pus formation
- Fever (in case of advanced inflammation)
- Restricted chewing function
- Pain when brushing teeth
Symptoms in detail
Wisdom teeth are often no longer present in the human dentition, as they are no longer needed in evolutionary terms. Since the jaws have become smaller, wisdom teeth often interfere, break through only half or not at all and can then create centres of inflammation. The so-called dentitio difficilis describes the more difficult breakthrough of the wisdom teeth, in which they are often still partially covered by a mucous membrane hood.
The mucous membrane forms a niche for dirt and food remains, which can hardly be cleaned on its own. The gums become inflamed and hurt badly. The wisdom tooth constantly presses on the mucous membrane and thus causes a pressure pain.
The patient should visit the dentist as soon as possible, because even mechanical cleaning or home remedies cannot heal the inflammation. If the inflammatory cells are not removed, there is a risk of a jaw clasp, an abscess on the tooth or a cyst. The dentist rinses the gingival pocket with antibacterial solutions and usually pulls the wisdom tooth after the inflammation has healed under antibiotic cover, otherwise there is a risk that the symptoms will recur.
If the wisdom tooth is inflamed, pus can accumulate in the gum pocket. This pus spreads over time and forms an abscess. This should not be taken lightly, as the inflammation can quickly spread to the organs.
The heart and brain are particularly at risk, as the pus spreads along the musculature and the organs are located very close to the jaws. Since a loss of function of these vital organs can occur when the inflammation spreads, a doctor should be consulted and the appropriate therapy initiated! Tooth pockets are indentations between the tooth and the gums.
They are caused, for example, by periodontosis Periodontosis describes an inflammation or destruction of the periodontium. Very often they also occur when the wisdom tooth breaks through at the back surface of the preceding tooth. Since food remains can settle there, which are very difficult to remove, bacteria can accumulate.
This causes an inflammation of this gum pocket. The gums redden and swell. For acute treatment, the pocket must be cleaned with hand instruments and rinsed with disinfectant solution.
The dentist then applies an ointment to accelerate the healing process. However, a lasting effect is usually only achieved by removing the wisdom tooth, as the pocket is then removed.
- Complaints of the wisdom tooth
- Periodontosis treatment
If the wound becomes inflamed where a wisdom tooth has been removed, this can be very unpleasant.
Initially the wound is reddened and something burns, especially when liquid, food or the tongue touches this spot. If this condition lasts longer, this process can also be seen from the outside. In the beginning the wound reddens, the cheek swells slowly and sometimes the cheek also reddens.
Mostly this process is accompanied by general symptoms. One feels very weak and tired, also fever can occur. If you do not take sufficient care and do not take antibiotics, pus can form and an abscess can develop.The more pus is produced, the greater the swelling becomes.
If the upper wisdom tooth is affected, the eye can be so badly affected that it cannot be opened at all. If a lower wisdom tooth is inflamed, the cheek or the region under the tongue swells up. This may cause the tongue to be pushed up so strongly that it becomes breathless. Since this is extremely dangerous, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
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