Infected Wisdom Tooth Signs: When to Get Help in Austin, TX

A wisdom tooth that has been mildly sore for weeks can suddenly turn into something else: a swollen cheek, a foul taste, and pain that will not let you sleep. Infections around wisdom teeth are common because these teeth sit far back, are hard to clean, and often only partly break through the gum.

Short Answer

Signs of an infected wisdom tooth include swollen and painful gums near the back of the mouth, a bad taste or pus, bad breath, fever, and trouble opening your jaw. An infection will not fix itself, so see a dentist soon. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.

Key Takeaways

• Swelling, pus, and a bad taste near a back tooth are classic infection signs.
• Fever, swollen glands under the jaw, or trouble opening your mouth mean the infection is getting stronger.
• Home care can ease pain but cannot clear an infection.
• Trouble breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency.
• A dentist can treat the infection and explain whether the tooth should come out.

Why Wisdom Teeth Get Infected

When a wisdom tooth only partly comes through, a flap of gum can cover part of it. Food and bacteria slip under that flap and are almost impossible to brush away. Over time the gum gets irritated, then infected. Decay can also reach a wisdom tooth more easily because it is hard to clean, and a deep cavity can lead to an infection inside the tooth.

This article focuses on spotting infection and knowing how urgent it is. If you mainly have a sore gum flap, our planned guide on gum swelling around a wisdom tooth covers that in more detail.

Signs Your Wisdom Tooth May Be Infected

Watch for:

• Red, swollen, or tender gum behind your last molar
• Throbbing pain that spreads to your ear or jaw
• A bad taste or pus near the tooth
• Bad breath that does not improve with brushing
• Trouble opening your mouth wide
• Swollen, tender glands under your jaw
• Fever or feeling unwell

One sign on its own may be minor. Several together, or symptoms that get worse each day, point to an infection that needs care.

When It Becomes Urgent

Dental infections can spread. Go to the ER or call 911 if you have:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling that spreads toward your eye, under your tongue, or down your neck
• A high fever with a fast heartbeat or confusion

Our guide on whether a tooth infection is spreading lists these warning signs in more detail.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

These steps may make you more comfortable, but they do not replace treatment:

• Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs.
• Keep your head raised when you lie down.
• Eat soft foods and chew on the other side.
• Do not use heat on a swollen face or try to drain the area yourself.

If you are stuck in traffic on I-35 or out near Lakeway when swelling starts, call ahead so the team knows what to expect when you arrive.

How a Dentist Treats an Infected Wisdom Tooth

At Emergency Dentist of Austin, the dentist examines the area and uses digital X-rays to see the tooth's position and how far the problem goes. Treatment depends on what is found. It may include cleaning the area and treating the infection, and in many cases removing the tooth so the problem does not return. We offer basic and surgical extractions and sedation options for anxious patients.

We are at 1030 Norwood Park Blvd #324 in north Austin, with same-day, evening, and weekend appointments. Call (512) 961-6200 if you think a wisdom tooth is infected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a wisdom tooth infection go away on its own?

Swelling may calm down for a while, but the cause, often trapped food and bacteria around the tooth, usually stays. Infections that return or get worse need a dentist.

Do I need antibiotics for an infected wisdom tooth?

Sometimes. A dentist decides based on your symptoms and exam, and antibiotics alone usually do not solve the problem if the tooth keeps trapping bacteria.

Can a dentist remove an infected wisdom tooth?

In many cases, yes. The dentist will look at the infection and the tooth's position and explain whether to treat the infection first or remove the tooth.

When is a wisdom tooth infection an emergency?

Trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading to your eye or neck, or a high fever are emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away.