Wisdom tooth pain can lead to more serious dental problems, such as an infection or inflammation, which may require professional dental treatment. Certain signs can indicate that the pain is linked to a more serious oral health problem.
If you are experiencing pain caused by a wisdom tooth that persists or worsens, read on to learn when you need urgent dental care and what you can do to ease the pain while you wait for your appointment.
These Signs Indicate Your Wisdom Tooth Pain Needs Professional Care
We recommend that our patients contact us for a possible wisdom teeth removal if they experience these symptoms:
1. Severe Pain That Keeps You Awake
When a wisdom tooth erupts, mild discomfort is usually expected. However, extreme pain that keeps you awake or disrupts your daily routine is not normal.
If you are experiencing persistent toothache, it may indicate a more serious problem, such as inflammation, decay, impaction, or an infection. These problems require professional assessment and treatment. So, contact your dentist if you cannot fall asleep because of wisdom tooth pain.
Consultation with a Dentist in Toronto
2. Swelling in Your Face or Jaw
Swelling in your face or jaw along with severe pain can be a sign of infection. For example, pericoronitis or a dental abscess may indicate that you need wisdom tooth extraction. The issue becomes a dental emergency if the swelling worsens or is accompanied by fever, difficulty opening your mouth, or difficulty breathing.
3. Fever or Chills
Like swelling, fever and chills can be signs of an infection when combined with wisdom tooth pain. Therefore, seek prompt dental care if you have a fever or chills while experiencing pain caused by a wisdom tooth.
4. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Usually, when wisdom tooth pain comes with difficulty opening the mouth, it may indicate significant inflammation or infection around the tooth. The restricted jaw movement is called trismus and can occur with different types of dental infections.
Overall, difficulty opening your mouth can make eating and speaking more difficult. Moreover, it affects proper brushing.
Contact Us for Severe Wisdom Tooth Pain
The pain caused by a wisdom tooth can sometimes be unbearable. If you are experiencing this issue, contact us to schedule an emergency dental appointment so we can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
5. Bad Breath or a Foul Taste
Persistent bad breath or foul taste in your mouth can indicate the presence of bacteria, trapped food, inflammation, or infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. If you have a similar issue along with severe pain from a wisdom tooth, your dentist should evaluate your case. This is especially important if you also have swelling or fever.
Read more: “Eliminate bad breath”
6. Swollen Gums Around the Tooth
Swollen or tender gums are also common signs of inflammation or pericoronitis when they are accompanied by wisdom tooth pain.
These symptoms are more likely to occur when the tooth has only partially erupted and food and bacteria can be trapped beneath the gum tissue. Generally, it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist, especially when the swelling persists or occurs with a bad taste or fever.
7. Trouble Swallowing or Breathing
As mentioned earlier, difficulty swallowing or breathing may indicate a problem that requires immediate dental care. These symptoms signal possible spread of an infection beyond the tooth and surrounding gums.
Get Professional Help for Persistent Wisdom Tooth Pain
In this blog, we discussed seven signs that your wisdom tooth pain requires immediate attention. So, if you experience any of these symptoms, contact a dentist promptly for a thorough assessment before discomfort worsens. Additionally, we examined four measures that can help you manage your symptoms while waiting to see a dentist.
If you are in Toronto and suffering from severe dental pain caused by a wisdom tooth that disrupts your daily routine, schedule a visit with our dental team at Pearl Dental Group. Our experienced dentists can evaluate your situation and recommend appropriate treatment that relieves your pain and addresses the underlying cause.
Consultation with a Dentist in Toronto
FAQ
Why does my wisdom tooth hurt?
Wisdom tooth pain can result from eruption, impaction, gum inflammation, decay, or an infection around a partially erupted tooth. A dentist can identify the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment
Can an infected wisdom tooth go away on its own?
An infected wisdom tooth usually does not resolve on its own because the underlying source of infection remains. Dental treatment is typically needed to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading.
What happens if an infected wisdom tooth is left untreated?
An untreated wisdom tooth infection can worsen and potentially spread to nearby tissues. You may develop increasing pain, swelling, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth. Prompt dental assessment can help prevent the infection from becoming more serious.
How can I relieve wisdom tooth pain at home?
Rinsing with warm salt water, applying a cold compress, and taking an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever may provide temporary relief. Keeping the area clean and avoiding hard or sticky foods can also help reduce irritation. These measures do not treat the underlying cause of wisdom tooth pain.
Have you experienced intense wisdom tooth pain before that required urgent dental care? Share your experience in the comments below.
