Wisdom Tooth Pain: When Is It an Emergency?

Signs You Need Immediate Help

Here are some symptoms that could indicate your wisdom tooth pain is more than just a minor annoyance:

1. Severe and Persistent Pain: If the pain is intense, sharp, or throbbing and does not subside with over-the-counter painkillers, it could indicate an issue such as an infection, impaction, or nerve involvement. This level of discomfort warrants professional dental evaluation to determine the root cause and prevent worsening symptoms.
2. Swelling Around the Jaw or Face: Noticeable swelling, particularly when it’s accompanied by tenderness, redness, or heat in the affected area, could point to an abscess or other infection. Severe swelling can also put pressure on nearby structures, making it difficult to open your mouth fully or chew properly.
3. Fever and Chills: A fever, often combined with general fatigue or body aches, can be a strong indicator of an infection. Left untreated, dental infections can spread to other parts of the body, posing serious health risks. Immediate treatment, including antibiotics or drainage, may be necessary to manage the situation effectively.
4. Pus or Bad Taste in Your Mouth: If you notice pus oozing from the gum tissue around your wisdom tooth, or you experience a persistent unpleasant taste or foul odour, it’s a sign of an abscess or wisdom tooth extraction infection. This condition can worsen quickly, so prompt dental care is essential to address the underlying cause.
5. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: These symptoms are less common but can signal a severe and potentially life-threatening infection, such as Ludwig’s angina. This condition occurs when the infection spreads to the soft tissues of the neck, causing airway obstruction. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency dental or medical care immediately.
6. Prolonged Bleeding or Blood Clots: If you’ve recently had a wisdom tooth extraction and notice that bleeding doesn’t stop or the blood clot dislodges, it could lead to complications like dry socket or delayed healing. This requires immediate attention from your dentist to prevent further issues.
7. Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of numbness or tingling in the tongue, lips, or chin can indicate nerve irritation or damage, particularly if the wisdom tooth is impacted or pressing against a nerve. A dentist can evaluate the situation and determine whether surgical intervention is necessary.

By recognising these symptoms early and acting promptly, you can prevent minor wisdom tooth issues from escalating into more serious problems. Always prioritise your dental health and don’t hesitate to reach out to a dentist when you notice these warning signs.

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems

Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly, leading to impaction. This can cause the tooth to grow at an angle, press against neighbouring teeth, or remain trapped below the gum line. In such cases, wisdom tooth surgery may be recommended to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Infections

Infections following a wisdom tooth extraction are uncommon but can occur if bacteria enter the extraction site. Common signs of a wisdom tooth extraction infection include:

• Increased pain or swelling after the initial recovery period.
• Redness or warmth around the extraction site.
• Persistent bad taste or bad breath.
• Pus discharge from the site.
• Fever or feeling generally unwell.

To prevent infections, it’s vital to follow proper wisdom tooth extraction aftercare. This includes keeping the area clean, avoiding smoking, and adhering to your dentist’s instructions. If you suspect an infection, contact your dentist immediately for treatment, which may involve antibiotics or further cleaning of the area.

What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

A wisdom tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure, often done under local anaesthesia. In some cases, where the tooth is impacted or difficult to remove, wisdom tooth surgery may be necessary. Post-extraction, most people experience some swelling and discomfort, which typically subsides in a few days with proper wisdom tooth extraction aftercare.