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Relief and Treatment for Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people experience no issues when their wisdom teeth come through, others may suffer from significant wisdom tooth pain.

If you're dealing with discomfort or swelling in the back of your mouth, it's essential to understand what may be happening and how best to manage it.

At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we provide personalised care and advice for patients experiencing pain related to wisdom teeth. In this blog, we'll cover the common causes of wisdom tooth pain, symptoms to watch out for, and the treatment options available to help you manage the discomfort.

What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Wisdom tooth pain can occur for several reasons, usually linked to the way the tooth erupts or its position within the jaw. The most common causes include:

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the tooth doesn’t have enough space to emerge or grows at an angle. This can lead to pressure on adjacent teeth, which in turn causes pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Impacted wisdom teeth often remain partially trapped under the gums or within the jawbone, leading to significant discomfort.

2. Infection

When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they can create an opening in the gums, which allows bacteria to enter and cause an infection. This can result in pain, swelling, and sometimes pus around the affected tooth. Known as pericoronitis, this condition can also cause bad breath and difficulty swallowing.

3. Tooth Decay

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, which can make them harder to clean properly. As a result, they are more prone to decay and cavities. When a wisdom tooth becomes decayed, it can cause toothache that radiates to the surrounding teeth and jaw.

4. Cyst Formation

In some cases, a fluid-filled sac, or cyst, can form around a developing wisdom tooth. If left untreated, a cyst can damage the surrounding bone, teeth, and nerves, leading to significant pain.

Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain

It’s important to recognise the signs of wisdom tooth pain so that you can seek professional advice promptly. Symptoms can vary but typically include:

  • Persistent pain at the back of your mouth, behind your molars.
  • Swollen gums or a lump around the area where the wisdom tooth is trying to emerge.
  • Red, inflamed gums, especially near the affected tooth.
  • Jaw pain or stiffness that may worsen when chewing or opening your mouth.
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, which could indicate infection.
  • Headaches or earaches due to the referred pain from the wisdom teeth.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult your dentist. At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we offer expert advice and tailored treatment plans to help alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.

Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Pain

Treatment for wisdom tooth pain will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the issue. Here are the most common treatment options:

1. Pain Relief

Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help relieve mild discomfort while you wait for a dental appointment. However, these are only temporary solutions and should not replace professional advice.

2. Antibiotics

If an infection has developed around your wisdom tooth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the bacterial growth. This is usually followed by further dental treatment to address the root cause of the pain.

3. Tooth Extraction

In many cases, the most effective long-term solution is wisdom tooth extraction. This is particularly common if the tooth is impacted, decayed, or causing significant pain and infection. At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we ensure that extractions are performed safely and comfortably.

4. Surgical Removal

For impacted wisdom teeth that are trapped beneath the gum or jawbone, a surgical extraction may be required. This procedure is more complex than a simple extraction but is necessary to prevent future complications such as infection or cyst formation.

5. Ongoing Care

After your wisdom teeth have been treated, it’s important to follow your dentist’s advice on aftercare. Keeping the area clean and avoiding hard foods can help speed up the healing process.

How Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery Can Help

At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we understand that wisdom tooth pain can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily life. That’s why we offer comprehensive consultations to diagnose the cause of your discomfort and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the best care possible.

Whether you're in need of a wisdom tooth extraction, antibiotics for an infection, or simply advice on managing pain, we’re ready to help. Our practice provides a full range of dental services to ensure that your oral health is well looked after.

You can book an appointment by visiting our Contact Us page.

If you're experiencing wisdom tooth pain, don't hesitate to contact our friendly team at Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery for expert advice and treatment. Our goal is to provide personalised dental care to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.

Frequently asked questions - wisdom tooth pain

Wisdom tooth pain can vary in duration depending on the cause. If the pain is due to the tooth erupting, it may last for a few days to a week. However, if the tooth is impacted or infected, the pain may persist until proper treatment is carried out. It’s always best to consult your dentist if you experience prolonged discomfort.

In some cases, mild wisdom tooth pain may subside once the tooth has fully emerged. However, persistent or severe pain usually indicates an underlying issue, such as impaction or infection, which requires dental treatment.

Wisdom tooth extraction is typically performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced during recovery, but your dentist will provide aftercare instructions to manage this.

If you suspect your wisdom tooth is infected, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection before proceeding with further treatment, such as extraction.

You should see a dentist if your wisdom tooth pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or signs of infection (e.g., bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth).