Dealing with Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth: Pain and Inflammation Concerns

Q: Dealing with Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth: Pain and Inflammation Concerns

Hello： If you have experienced wisdom tooth pain more than three times, it indicates that you are unable to manage it properly. <br>When your immune system is compromised, the microorganisms in your mouth can cause inflammation in the wisdom teeth due to deep periodontal pockets

Partially erupted wisdom tooth inflammation?

Hello, Doctor.
I discovered that I started to develop wisdom teeth around October last year, so when I returned to Taiwan at the end of the year, I went to a dental clinic for an X-ray.
The issue is with my lower right wisdom tooth, which has only erupted partially, with the other half covered by the gum.
At that time, the director of the clinic in Taoyuan suggested that since the root of the tooth is very close to the nerve, it would be better to wait for it to grow a bit more before extraction.
However, the X-ray did not show any misalignment.
In late February, I had the flu, and for the first time, the lower right tooth became inflamed.
I visited a dentist and took antibiotics for a few days, which resolved the issue.
About five days ago, I caught a slight cold and didn't sleep well, and the next day, the lower right wisdom tooth became inflamed again.
Initially, the pain was severe enough to affect my ability to eat.
Since it's inconvenient to see a dentist in Australia, I bought a local gum anti-inflammatory ointment, which improved the inflammation and reduced the swelling.
However, even until today, there is still some mild swelling and pain.
I originally planned to have it extracted during my holiday at the end of this year, but after researching online, I found that some people say that wisdom teeth can lead to cellulitis, which makes me a bit worried.
Could you please help me with this? Thank you.
😿😿😿😿

Idelle, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/04

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry

Hello: If you have experienced wisdom tooth pain more than three times, it indicates that you are unable to manage it properly.
When your immune system is compromised, the microorganisms in your mouth can cause inflammation in the wisdom teeth due to deep periodontal pockets that easily harbor debris.
It may be time to consider extraction! Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Huang Chih-Cheng, Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/04/04

More Info

Dealing with partially erupted wisdom teeth can be quite challenging, especially when they cause pain and inflammation. Your situation, where the right lower wisdom tooth is only partially erupted and covered by gum tissue, is not uncommon. This condition can lead to various complications, including pain, infection, and even more severe issues like cellulitis (a type of skin infection) if left untreated.

When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, it creates a pocket between the tooth and the gum. This pocket can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection, which is likely what you are experiencing. The symptoms you describe, such as pain that affects your ability to eat, are typical of pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth.
The fact that you have experienced this issue multiple times, especially after illnesses like the flu or a cold, suggests that your immune system may be temporarily weakened, making it easier for infections to take hold. The use of anti-inflammatory medications and topical treatments can provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root cause of the problem.

It is crucial to monitor the situation closely. If the inflammation persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, swelling in the face, or difficulty swallowing, you should seek immediate dental care. These could be signs of a more serious infection that may require antibiotics or even surgical intervention.

Regarding your concern about cellulitis, it is a valid one. While cellulitis can occur as a complication of dental infections, it is not common if the infection is managed promptly. However, if you notice any spreading redness or warmth around the affected area, or if you feel increasingly unwell, it is essential to seek medical attention right away.

As for the extraction of the wisdom tooth, it is generally recommended to remove partially erupted wisdom teeth, especially if they are causing recurrent problems. Your dentist's advice to wait until the tooth has erupted more is understandable, but if you are experiencing significant discomfort and inflammation, it may be worth discussing the possibility of extraction sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and keep the area clean. Avoiding hard or chewy foods that may irritate the area is also advisable.
In summary, while partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to pain and inflammation, proper management and timely dental care can help alleviate these issues. If your symptoms persist, do not hesitate to consult with a dental professional for further evaluation and treatment options. Your health and comfort should always be the priority.

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