Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, usually in the late teens or twenties, and they are a common cause of sudden dental pain. Because there is often little room for them, they can become impacted, partly erupted or infected — leading to swelling, soreness and difficulty eating. Our emergency dentist in Scunthorpe offers urgent same-day appointments where clinically appropriate to relieve wisdom tooth pain and treat any infection.
Common causes of wisdom tooth pain
- Eruption: discomfort as the tooth pushes through the gum
- Impaction: the tooth is stuck against the tooth in front or the jawbone
- Pericoronitis: infection of the gum flap over a partly erupted tooth
- Decay or gum disease around a hard-to-clean wisdom tooth
- Trapped food and bacteria causing repeated flare-ups
Symptoms to look out for
- Throbbing pain at the back of the mouth
- Red, swollen or tender gum around the tooth
- A bad taste or bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
- Swelling of the cheek or jaw
How we help
Your emergency dentist will examine the area, often with an x-ray, to see the position of the tooth and the cause of the pain. Many flare-ups can be settled by thoroughly cleaning the area, treating infection, and giving advice on keeping it clean — sometimes with antibiotics if infection is spreading. If a wisdom tooth causes repeated problems or is badly impacted, removal may be recommended, and we will explain the options and costs clearly. The immediate priority is always to relieve your pain.
Easing the pain before your visit
Rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day to clean the area, and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Keep the tooth as clean as you can and avoid trapping food around it. If the pain or swelling continues, contact us for an urgent appointment.
Wisdom tooth pain — FAQs
Often because it is erupting, impacted, or the gum around it is infected. Trapped food and bacteria can cause quick flare-ups.
How can I ease the pain at home?
Warm salt-water rinses and over-the-counter pain relief taken as directed; keep the area clean and avoid trapping food.
Do I need it removed?
Not always — many flare-ups settle with cleaning and treatment of infection. Removal is considered for repeated or severe problems.
Is wisdom tooth pain an emergency?
Severe pain, swelling or trouble opening your mouth should be seen urgently; spreading swelling affecting breathing or swallowing is a 999 emergency.
