Xray for Wisdom Tooth
If you have an abscessed, or severely infected third molar, which is also known as a wisdom tooth, your dentist will need to evaluate the condition of the tooth so that an effective treatment plan can be implemented. If you are looking to get your wisdom teeth removed your dentist will take a wisdom tooth xray to evaluate the structure of the tooth as well as the root. There are a number of treatment options for an abscessed third molar such as antibiotics and extraction. If an abscessed wisdom tooth is not promptly evaluated with a wisdom tooth xray and treated promptly, you may be at risk for developing health consequence such as the following:
Soft Tissue Damage
A severe dental infection can cause damage to the surrounding soft tissue of the tooth. While antibiotics can treat the infection, gum erosion caused by the infection may permanently affect the shape or contour of the gums. Severe, smoldering abscesses can even damage the bones that support your teeth, raising your risk for tooth loss. If you develop a throbbing toothache, swollen gum tissue around the affected tooth, a bad taste in your mouth, or drainage coming from the area of the tooth, see your dentist right away.
Systemic Infection
If you have an untreated abscessed tooth, you may be at risk for developing a secondary, or systemic infection of the tonsils or pharynx. You may also be at risk for an infection of your heart valves. This rare event can occur when the bacteria from your tooth travels to your cardiovascular system, affecting your valves and even the lining of your heart. If you have an infected wisdom tooth and develop chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or numbness and tingling sensations in your body, seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. When abscessed teeth are recognized and treated promptly, complications such as soft tissue damage, secondary infections, and cardiovascular complications are less likely to occur.
