What is the reason for swelling around my last tooth?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am having a swelling around my tooth. Also, one side of the wisdom tooth is infected. I feel pain in the area. What to do?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The swelling is mainly due to infection around the wisdom tooth due to food lodgement behind it. It is called pericoronitis, which has two solutions. One is you can take antibiotics and painkillers to reduce the swelling and then do a small flap surgery to remove the overhanging gingiva above the wisdom tooth. It will help in the proper cleaning of the area. The second option is when the wisdom tooth does not have enough space to come out fully, the tooth will have to be removed, which may be difficult and a longer healing time may be required. Kindly go see your dentist soon, before the swelling increases or pain starts. If you can send a picture of the area, then I can give you a better and accurate treatment plan.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.