An infected wisdom tooth is a serious thing and must be taken seriously or things can get really bad. A third molar can develop a gum infection. The tissues surrounding a wisdom tooth tend to get bunched up and can easily trap food due to the lack of space in this area. This can cause a spreading dental infection and it can be extremely difficult for a dentist to do anything because the patient can not open. Another problem that can occur is when the upper wisdom tooth erupts downward and begins to chew the top of the swollen gums covering a lower impacted wisdom tooth. This is called pericornitis.

          An infected wisdom tooth can come from a third molar with tooth decay. The wisdom tooth is a tooth just like every other tooth in the mouth. It is subject to getting a cavity and dying. A dead tooth can result in a dental abscess which can then cause pain, swelling and headaches. It is very rare for third molars to have root canals and they are generally removed.

         Dentists are concerned about an infected wisdom tooth getting out of control because new super bacteria are appearing that do not respond to normal antibiotics. These resistant bacteria grow and cause swelling that can extend downward below the jaw and block off the throat. This Ludwig's Angina can cause sudden death from suffocation. It is not unusual to see patients whose infections don't respond to antibiotic therapy. The result is that these patients have to be hospitalized and/or placed in an Intensive Care Unit with IV antibiotics. This is costly and scary.

          The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. They are concerned about their patients and the possibility of serious wisdom tooth infection. Comprehensive general dentistry including wisdom tooth surgery is provided in our office. If you are concerned about a infected wisdom tooth, make a free dental consultation appointment with our senior Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky by calling 404-874-7428.