Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. For some lucky individuals, they grow in straight and cause no issues. However, for the majority of people, wisdom teeth can be a source of significant pain, infection, and dental complications.
At our London clinic, wisdom tooth pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency care. But how do you know if your pain is temporary growing pains or a sign that the tooth needs to come out? This guide explores everything you need to know about wisdom teeth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
The primary reason for wisdom tooth pain is a lack of space. By the time these teeth erupt, the rest of your 28 adult teeth are already established. There simply isn't enough room in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to squeeze in. This leads to them becoming impacted.
Experiencing these symptoms?
Delaying treatment can lead to tooth loss. We have slots available today.
- Mesial Impaction: The tooth grows angled forward towards the front of the mouth.
- Vertical Impaction: The tooth grows straight down but gets stuck under the gum.
- Horizontal Impaction: The tooth grows sideways at 90 degrees, pushing into the roots of the adjacent molar.
What is Pericoronitis?
The most common emergency associated with wisdom teeth is pericoronitis. When a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gum, a flap of gum tissue (operculum) remains over part of the tooth. Food and bacteria get trapped under this flap, which is almost impossible to clean with a toothbrush.
This trapped bacteria causes the gum to become infected, swollen, and extremely painful. You may find it difficult to bite down because the opposing upper tooth bites onto the swollen gum below.
Symptoms That You Need an Extraction
While we always try to save teeth, wisdom teeth are often "non-functional" and cause more harm than good. You likely need an extraction if you experience:
Meet Dr. Yasha Shirazi
Principal Dentist at Emergency Dentist London
"We treat hundreds of dental emergencies every month. The sooner you come in, the easier the fix usually is."
Book an appointment with our team →1. Recurring Infection
If you have had multiple episodes of pericoronitis (gum infection) treated with antibiotics, the problem will keep returning until the source (the tooth) is removed.
2. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar in front of it. This pressure can cause resorption (dissolving) of the healthy tooth's root or cause a cavity to form in an area that cannot be filled.
3. Cysts and Tumors
Wisdom teeth grow in a sac within the jawbone. If the sac fills with fluid, it forms a cyst that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Though rare, benign tumors can also develop.
Real Patient Result: Emergency Bonding
4. Severe Pain and Trismus
If the infection spreads to the muscles of the jaw, you may develop trismus (lockjaw), making it difficult or impossible to open your mouth to eat or speak.
The Extraction Procedure: What to Expect
Many patients are terrified of the idea of wisdom tooth removal, but modern dentistry makes it a routine and manageable procedure. At our clinic, we prioritize your comfort.
Simple Extraction: If the tooth has fully erupted, it can be removed in minutes, similar to any other tooth. You will feel pressure, but no pain.
Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is impacted under the gum or bone, a minor surgical procedure is required. We make a small incision in the gum, may remove a small amount of bone to free the tooth, and sometimes divide the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. Stitches are usually placed to help healing.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery depends on the complexity of the extraction. Most people experience swelling and discomfort for 3-5 days.
- Rest: Take it easy for 24 hours. No heavy lifting or gym.
- Ice Packs: Apply to the outside of the face to reduce swelling.
- Soft Diet: Stick to yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies (no straws!).
- Cleanliness: Keep the mouth clean with warm salt water rinses starting 24 hours after surgery.
If you are suffering from wisdom tooth pain, don't suffer in silence. The infection can spread to your throat and become dangerous. Contact Emergency Dentist London today for an assessment and X-ray.