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Wisdom tooth pain or swelling

Wisdom tooth pain or swelling? Get it assessed.

Wisdom teeth can become painful when they are impacted, partly erupted, infected or difficult to keep clean.

At Pristine Dental Group, we provide emergency appointments for wisdom tooth problems in London 7 days a week, with same-day appointments available where possible. Our aim is to relieve the immediate problem, identify the cause and determine whether the wisdom tooth should be treated, monitored or removed.

Open 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, 7 days a week
Same-day appointments where available

For more information regarding this treatment
Online Bookings OR Call 02038 370 488
Wisdom tooth pain

What are the symptoms of a wisdom tooth problem?

  • Pain at the back of the mouth.
  • Swollen or tender gum around a wisdom tooth.
  • Pain when chewing.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth.
  • A bad taste or unpleasant smell.
  • Food trapping around the tooth.
  • Swelling of the gum, jaw or cheek.
  • Recurrent episodes of pain.
  • Decay affecting the wisdom tooth or neighbouring tooth.

If pain or swelling is worsening, arrange a dental assessment.

wisdom cyst

What causes wisdom tooth pain?

  • Pericoronitis: When a wisdom tooth has only partly erupted, bacteria and food can collect beneath the surrounding gum and cause inflammation or infection.
  • Impacted wisdom tooth: A wisdom tooth may become trapped beneath the gum or against another tooth because there is not enough room for it to erupt normally.
  • Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean effectively because of their position, making them more vulnerable to decay.
  • Gum problems: Inflammation and repeated food trapping can affect the gum around the tooth.
  • Damage to the neighbouring tooth: In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can contribute to problems affecting the tooth in front.

What happens at an emergency wisdom tooth appointment?

1. Assessment

Your dentist will examine the wisdom tooth, surrounding gum and neighbouring teeth.

2. Dental imaging

An X-ray may be required to assess the position of the tooth, roots and surrounding structures. For more complex surgical cases, 3D CBCT imaging may also be appropriate.

3. Manage the immediate problem

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include cleaning or irrigating the area, advice on keeping the area clean, managing inflammation or infection, appropriate pain relief advice, or further dental treatment where required.

4. Decide whether extraction is needed

Not every painful wisdom tooth needs to be removed immediately. Your dentist will assess whether the problem can be managed conservatively or whether extraction is the more appropriate long-term option.

1. Assessment

Your dentist will examine the wisdom tooth, surrounding gum and neighbouring teeth.

2. Dental imaging

An X-ray may be required to assess the position of the tooth, roots and surrounding structures. For more complex surgical cases, 3D CBCT imaging may also be appropriate.

3. Manage the immediate problem

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include cleaning or irrigating the area, advice on keeping the area clean, managing inflammation or infection, appropriate pain relief advice, or further dental treatment where required.

4. Decide whether extraction is needed

Not every painful wisdom tooth needs to be removed immediately. Your dentist will assess whether the problem can be managed conservatively or whether extraction is the more appropriate long-term option.

What if I have swelling?

Pain and swelling around a wisdom tooth can be caused by infection of the surrounding tissues. Arrange prompt dental assessment if swelling is increasing or associated with significant pain.

Seek emergency medical help if swelling is affecting your ability to breathe, speak or swallow.

If you are unsure where you should be seen, contact NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see me today for wisdom tooth pain?

We offer same-day emergency appointments where availability allows.

Does wisdom tooth pain mean it needs to be removed?

No. Some problems can be managed without extraction, while recurrent infection, decay or other complications may make removal more appropriate.

What is pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis is inflammation or infection of the gum surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth.

Can you remove a wisdom tooth at an emergency appointment?

Potentially. Whether same-day removal is appropriate depends on the clinical situation, complexity of the extraction and appointment availability.

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