Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

My DENTAL Concern

Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom tooth pain is discomfort or pain at the back of the mouth where the wisdom teeth are located. It may feel dull, aching, sharp, or throbbing and can affect the jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth. Wisdom tooth pain is commonly caused by infection, inflammation, or a lack of space for the tooth to erupt properly.

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Common causes of wisdom tooth pain

Wisdom tooth pain can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth.
  • Infection of the gum around the wisdom tooth, known as pericoronitis.
  • Food and bacteria that are trapped around the tooth.
  • Pressure on neighbouring teeth.
  • Tooth decay affecting the wisdom tooth.
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Why you should not ignore wisdom tooth pain?

Infection can worsen and spread if left untreated.

Ongoing inflammation can damage nearby teeth and bone. Recurrent infections are common without definitive treatment. Early assessment helps prevent complications.

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How is wisdom tooth pain treated?

  • Professional cleaning and flushing: Gently removing trapped food and bacteria around the tooth to reduce pain and infection.
  • Antibiotics: Short courses of antibiotics to control infection and inflammation if needed.
  • Pain relief advice: Guidance on safe over-the-counter pain medication while waiting for treatment.
  • Wisdom tooth extraction: Removing the tooth if it cannot come through properly or is causing repeated problems.
  • Coronectomy: Partial removal of the tooth in special cases where full extraction could risk damaging nearby structures.
  • Oral hygiene guidance: Tips on keeping the area clean to prevent future infections.

If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, we recommend booking an assessment at Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre with our general dentist. If specialist care is required, you may be referred to our specialist oral surgeon for further assessment and treatment, including extraction or coronectomy.

Treatments for dental pain and toothache
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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I have wisdom tooth pain?

If you have severe pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, contact us immediately.

If you develop a fever, spreading facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing, seek urgent care as these may indicate a serious infection.

While waiting for your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and avoid hard or very hot/cold foods.

I have already been diagnosed with wisdom tooth pain? What should I do?

If you already have a general dentist and have been advised that you need treatment for your wisdom teeth. You can book directly with our specialist oral surgeon at Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre. Our oral surgeon can provide an assessment and, when needed, an advanced 3D CBCT X-ray of the wisdom teeth to provide specialist-level oral surgery tailored to your needs.

When to book a dental appointment for wisdom tooth pain

You should book an appointment with a dentist if:

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You have repeated or persistent pain or swelling in the back of your mouth.

Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

You have difficulty opening your mouth or chewing.

Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

There is a bad taste or discharge near the wisdom tooth.

Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

Swelling affects your jaw, face, or neck.

Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

You have repeated or persistent pain or swelling in the back of your mouth.

Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

You have difficulty opening your mouth or chewing.

Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

There is a bad taste or discharge near the wisdom tooth.

Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

Swelling affects your jaw, face, or neck.

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At Malmesbury Dental & Specialist Referral Centre

  • We offer daily emergency dental appointments.
  • We can see you at short notice.
  • We relieve your tooth pain quickly.
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Let’s start your journey to a healthier, brighter smile

Opening hours

Monday

8:45am-5:00pm

Tuesday

8:45am-5:00pm

Wednesday

8:45am-5:00pm

Thursday

8:45am-5:00pm

Friday

8:45am-5:00pm

Saturday

By appointment only

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