IMPACTED WISDOM TOOTH (INFECTIONS)

The last tooth in my lower jaw is causing some discomfort. I can only see part of the tooth and food gets trapped in the overlying gum. Occasionally, the overlying gum swells a little and the side of my neck appears swollen too. Do I need to remove this tooth?

Wisdom teeth appear during early adulthood. In some cases, the jaw size does not allow proper eruption of wisdom teeth, leading to impaction against the tooth in front. Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a common procedure.

Features

• Pain on lower jaw usually around last molar teeth
• Pain can be acute, with an apparent decreased mouth opening
• Swelling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Region around the molar may be sensitive and painful to touch

Causes

• Impaction of wisdom tooth causing food to be trapped
• Infection of overlying gum
• Triangular gaps between teeth
• Decay of wisdom tooth and adjacent tooth  

Management

• Cleansing of the gum area with gargle or mouthwash
• Antibiotics may be required for serious infection
• Extraction or trimming of the opposing tooth to reduce biting on swollen gum
• Surgical removal of the upper wisdom tooth

Swollen gums near wisdom tooth


X-ray of an impacted wisdom tooth