Wisdom Tooth Pain
When the last teeth to arrive run out of room, here’s what we look out for.
About this condition
What is wisdom tooth pain?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, usually in the late teens or early twenties. When there is not enough room for them to emerge properly, they can become impacted, which may cause pain, swelling or discomfort at the back of the mouth.
- Limited space in the jaw, preventing the wisdom tooth from coming through fully
- The wisdom tooth coming through at an angle, pressing against the neighbouring tooth
- Infection or inflammation around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, known as pericoronitis
- Decay developing on a wisdom tooth that is difficult to clean properly
Management depends on the position of the tooth and your symptoms:
- Wisdom teeth that are fully buried and not causing problems may simply be monitored
- Partially erupted or infected wisdom teeth are often recommended for removal
- An X-ray, such as an OPG, helps our dentists assess the position of the tooth before deciding on the best approach
Our team at Central Dental Group can assess your wisdom teeth and discuss whether removal is recommended in your case.
Leaving a problematic wisdom tooth untreated can allow infection to develop and potentially spread to the surrounding jaw and tissue. It may also place pressure on the neighbouring tooth, increasing the risk of decay in that area as well. Prompt assessment helps avoid these complications.
Pain at the back of your jaw? Book a wisdom tooth assessment with Central Dental Group.
