If you’ve seen your wisdom tooth and it’s black, don’t panic! It’s not always a cause for concern, but there are some things you should do. In this blog post, we’ll tell you what might be causing your wisdom tooth to turn black and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more.
Wisdom teeth can become black if they develop an infection
Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that typically develop in the late teens or early twenties. While these teeth can play an essential role in chewing and biting, they sometimes run into trouble when they begin to erupt. For instance, if your wisdom teeth become impacted by other nearby teeth or develop a bacterial infection, they may become inflamed and black. This condition is typically called pericoronitis, which can cause severe pain and inflammation in the gums surrounding the tooth.
If your wisdom tooth is black, you should see a dentist as soon as possible
If you notice that one of your wisdom teeth is dark or black, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. This condition, known as tooth necrosis, can be caused by various factors, including periodontal disease or an infection in the tooth’s root. In addition to being uncomfortable and painful, tooth necrosis can lead to further complications, such as inflammation of surrounding tissues or bone loss. Left untreated, it has the potential to cause permanent structural damage to your tooth and may require surgical intervention. Therefore, it is critical to seek professional treatment to protect your oral health if you have a dark or black wisdom tooth. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can rest assured that your smile will stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
There are several potential treatments for wisdom teeth infections, depending on the severity
Wisdom teeth infections will typically be treated with one of several potential approaches depending on their severity. Low-grade infections can often be resolved using a course of prescription antibiotics, which kill off harmful bacteria and allow the wisdom tooth to heal independently. More severe infections may require a more invasive approach, such as surgical removal of the infected area or drainage. Some individuals may need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to prevent further damage and potential complications. Therefore, when you experience an infection in your wisdom teeth, you must consult your dentist about the best treatment for you.
If left untreated, an infection can spread and cause further health problems
If left untreated, wisdom teeth infections can spread to other parts of the body and cause some severe health problems. The earliest and most common symptoms are typically pain and swelling in the gums surrounding the wisdom teeth. These symptoms tend to be localized initially, but if they are neglected or mismanaged, the infection can quickly spread to more critical areas, such as the jawbone, cheeks, throat, and tongue. In some cases, the disease may even reach the bloodstream and cause organ damage or sepsis. Therefore, seeking treatment for even minor wisdom teeth infections is essential as quickly as possible to prevent further complications. With proper diagnosis and care from a dentist or oral surgeon, these infections can typically be treated effectively with antibiotics or surgical intervention.
It’s essential to take care of your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being. The bacteria that accumulate in your mouth from food particles and other sources can lead to various oral issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. To prevent these problems, it is vital to take care of your oral health by brushing regularly and flossing daily. You can help avoid cavities and harmful infections by removing plaque buildup on the teeth. Additionally, regular flossing helps reduce inflammation in the gums. It keeps the teeth firmly anchored, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile.
See a dentist for a check-up at least twice a year
Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent these infections from occurring in the first place. By conducting regular check-ups and comprehensive cleanings, dentists can remove any harmful buildup from your teeth and gums and keep your mouth healthy. Additionally, they can closely monitor all of your teeth, including those newly emerged wisdom teeth that are otherwise challenging to access. So if you want to protect yourself against painful wisdom tooth infections, see your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. Your body will thank you!
References
Schütz S;Beck I;Kühl S;Filippi A. (2013). Results after wisdom tooth transplantation. A retrospective study. Schweizer Monatsschrift Fur Zahnmedizin = Revue Mensuelle Suisse d’Odonto-Stomatologie = Rivista Mensile Svizzera Di Odontologia E Stomatologia, 123(4). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23640290/
González-García, R., Risco-Rojas, R., Román-Romero, L., Moreno-García, C., & López García, C. (2011). Descending necrotizing mediastinitis following dental extraction. Radiological features and surgical treatment considerations. Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, 39(5), 335–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcms.2010.10.001
