Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to break through the gums. They grow at the very back of a person’s mouth. There are normally four wisdom teeth in total, with one in each of the furthest corners of the top and bottom gums.

Symptoms of wisdom teeth infection

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Jaw pain
• Swelling around the jaw
• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth

Prevention

You can’t keep an impaction from occurring, but keeping regular six-month dental appointments for cleaning and checkups enables your dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth. Regularly updated dental X-rays may indicate impacted wisdom teeth before any symptoms develop.

Treatment for wisdom teeth infection

Infections caused by wisdom teeth can be treated:

• by improving oral hygiene in the area
• by having the area cleaned by a dentist
• sometimes, by the prescription of antibiotics 

However, the infection may keep coming back if problem teeth are not removed. People who have other health problems, especially people with lower immunity, may have complications from these infections.

Periodontics is an oral specialty focusing on inflammatory diseases that affect the gums and oral structures supporting the teeth. Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. They also specialize in the placement of dental implants.

With extensive training beyond traditional dental school, periodontists often treat especially problematic periodontal cases, involving severe gum disease and patients with complex medical histories. Among the specialized services periodontists provide include:

• Scaling and root planing, during which the infected surface of a tooth’s root is cleaned
• Root surface debridement, involving the removal of damaged tissue
• Crown lengthening services, soft tissue grafting and removal or re-contouring

Periodontists are also able to treat severe gum problems using an array of surgical procedures. They are also specially trained in the maintenance, placement and repair of dental implants.

Who Needs a Periodontist?

If you have significant gum disease or require dental implants, you should consider seeing a periodontist. Since gum disease can lead to other serious medical conditions, it’s important to talk with your general dentist if you have any symptoms of gum disease, including bleeding, swelling or tenderness.

If you are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of your gums, a periodontist may also be able to recommend effective cosmetic treatments.

How do I get a Referral for Periodontics Care?

If your family dentist has identified potential periodontal issues during an examination, you should ask if a visit to a periodontist is in order.

From there, the professional staff at Gentle Dental can help you schedule an appointment with one of our expert neighborhood periodontists.

What Can I Expect at a Periodontal Appointment?

Once you arrive for your appointment, the periodontist will carefully review your patient history and thoroughly examine your mouth.

During the exam, the periodontist will check for gumline recession, jaw alignment issues and loose teeth. He or she will also use a small measuring instrument to measure the depth of the spaces – known as periodontal pockets – between the teeth and gums. X-rays may also be needed to assess the health of the bone below the gumline.

Once he or she has identified the problem, the periodontist will recommend an appropriate treatment plan to correct the issue.

How Much Will it Cost?

Overall costs will vary depending on the extent of the problem and required treatment. Since periodontal treatments are considered necessary, dental insurance typically covers all or most of the associated costs. If affordability is an issue, we are pleased to offer flexible financing plans, along with discounts for patients without insurance.