Have you been diagnosed with an abscessed wisdom tooth? Wisdom teeth commonly become abscessed because they do not normally erupt through the gums in healthy positions. An abscess requires quick professional treatment because the tooth that has abscessed needs to be removed through a surgical procedure called an extraction. A tooth, when badly damaged, cannot heal on its own. An untreated abscess can lead to damage to neighboring oral structures as well as the infection entering the blood stream. If you have been diagnosed with an abscess or have been referred to our practice for wisdom teeth removal, call us to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon.
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a severe infection that forms at the root of a tooth. Abscesses commonly develop when the root canal becomes infected. Wisdom teeth are very prone to abscessing as well. This type of infection can appear very red and swollen on the gums. It also produces significant discomfort.
Why should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth are removed for many reasons. Sometimes, these teeth are extracted as a precautionary measure and in other instances; they are removed because they become badly diseased. In either instance, wisdom teeth removal tends to improve people’s quality of life.
Retaining wisdom teeth greatly increases a person’s chances of developing dental caries, gum disease, TMJ disorder, orthodontic problems, and abscesses. The reason these teeth contribute to so many oral health conditions is the fact that they typically become impacted (stuck in the gums and/or jaw). Impacted teeth don’t erupt in healthy positions. When a person has impacted teeth, their teeth can become crowded because there is not enough room for wisdom teeth to come through. They can also develop caries and gum inflammation around the eruption site of wisdom teeth because food and bacteria collect between gums and tooth structure.
Our oral surgeon is an expert at removing teeth. We deliver high quality oral healthcare with a gentle touch and compassion. Call us today at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists to schedule an appointment.