Wisdom tooth pain: what to do
Quick answer
What should I do about wisdom tooth pain?
Most wisdom tooth pain comes from pericoronitis — inflamed gum over a partly erupted tooth where food and bacteria get trapped.
Rinse with warm salt water, clean the area gently with a soft brush, and take pain relief as directed on the packet if it is safe for you. If pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or you have swelling or difficulty opening your mouth, call York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet on 01932 348864.
What you need to know
Wisdom teeth usually arrive between the late teens and mid-twenties. Many come through without trouble. Problems start when there is not enough room and the tooth is stuck at an angle (impacted), partly covered by gum.
A single flare-up can often be settled with cleaning in the practice. Repeated infections, decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front, or damage to neighbouring teeth are the usual reasons to remove it. Impacted wisdom tooth removal starts from £495.
Swelling in the cheek or jaw, fever, or difficulty swallowing needs urgent attention the same day. See should wisdom teeth be removed and wisdom teeth removal.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
