At Brisbane Emergency Dentist, we provide urgent treatment for infected or impacted wisdom teeth to relieve pain, stop infection, and protect your oral health. If you’re experiencing jaw swelling, bad taste, or throbbing pain at the back of your mouth, contact our team for immediate care.
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, they do not have enough space to emerge properly and become partially trapped under the gum or bone. When this happens, bacteria and food debris can easily accumulate around the area, leading to inflammation and infection.
A partially erupted wisdom tooth, especially one that is misaligned or tilted, can trap bacteria under the gum flap and cause swelling, pain, and difficulty chewing. Over time, this condition — known as Pericoronitis — can spread to surrounding tissues and even affect nearby teeth.
Other factors such as poor oral hygiene, sinus pressure, or compromised immunity can increase the risk of developing an infected wisdom tooth.
An infected wisdom tooth often causes throbbing or sharp pain at the back of the mouth. You may notice swelling in the gums around the affected tooth, redness, and tenderness when biting or chewing. The jaw, neck, or cheek may also feel sore or tight due to spreading inflammation.
Patients sometimes experience bad taste in the mouth caused by pus drainage, as well as difficulty opening the mouth fully. Fever, fatigue, and facial swelling are also common when the infection becomes more severe. If any of these symptoms appear, it’s crucial to seek prompt dental treatment to prevent further complications.
If left untreated, an infected wisdom tooth can lead to serious complications. The infection can spread to the jawbone, throat, or neighbouring teeth, causing abscesses or difficulty swallowing. In some cases, swelling can make it hard to open the mouth or eat normally.
Persistent infection may also cause chronic jaw pain or affect nearby nerves, resulting in radiating pain towards the ear and temple. Rarely, untreated infections can lead to systemic illness or sinus involvement. Immediate care helps prevent these issues and restores comfort quickly.
Dental Filling
When an infected wisdom tooth develops decay, our dentist will remove the decayed portion and fill the cavity with a durable, tooth-coloured composite material. This helps seal the tooth and prevents bacteria from re-entering.
Root Canal Treatment
If the infection has reached the pulp inside the tooth, a root canal may be performed to clean out the infected tissue and seal the canals. This procedure preserves the tooth structure while stopping the infection from spreading further.
Medications
Antibiotics and pain relief medications may be prescribed to control bacterial infection and inflammation. These are typically combined with dental treatment to ensure complete healing and lasting comfort.
Extraction
In more severe cases where the wisdom tooth is fully impacted or cannot be saved, extraction may be required. Our emergency dentist performs wisdom tooth removal under local anaesthetic to relieve pain and prevent reinfection.
An infected wisdom tooth can quickly escalate into severe pain or swelling if left untreated. Our team at Brisbane Emergency Dentist provides same-day appointments and gentle, effective care to restore your comfort fast.