Inflammation of the wisdom tooth is a term commonly used by patients, but it usually refers to inflammation of the soft tissue (gums) around the wisdom tooth, which is called pericoronitis. It most commonly affects lower wisdom teeth, especially if they have partially erupted or if their crown is covered by gums. In these situations, cleaning around the wisdom tooth is difficult, and bacteria can get trapped between the tooth and gums, creating pockets in the bone (periodontal pockets) that act as a reservoir for more bacteria.
If pericoronitis occurs, it is almost always necessary to prescribe antibiotics and, if possible, extract the wisdom tooth as soon as possible. If the wisdom tooth cannot be extracted by the usual means but instead requires surgery, the infection is first treated, and then surgical extraction is performed.