Wisdom tooth pain is a common reason people seek urgent dental care.
You may experience pain at the back of your mouth, swollen gums, difficulty opening your mouth or discomfort when chewing. Sometimes wisdom tooth pain comes and goes, while other times it can become severe and require urgent treatment.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, you may be wondering:
Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
The answer depends on the position of your wisdom teeth, your symptoms and whether they are causing damage or ongoing problems.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars at the back of the mouth.
Most people have up to four wisdom teeth:
Two in the upper jaw
Two in the lower jaw
They usually begin to develop during the teenage years and may erupt during the late teenage years or early adulthood.
However, not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth, and some people do not develop wisdom teeth at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Wisdom teeth can cause pain for several reasons.
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
A wisdom tooth is impacted when it does not have enough space to erupt properly.
It may remain partially covered by gum or become trapped against another tooth.
An impacted wisdom tooth may cause:
Pain
Pressure
Swelling
Infection
Damage to neighbouring teeth
The position of the tooth can usually be assessed with dental X-rays.
2. Infection Around the Wisdom Tooth
When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, bacteria and food can become trapped around the gum.
This can cause inflammation and infection, known as pericoronitis.
Symptoms may include:
Pain at the back of the mouth
Swollen gums
Bad taste
Bad breath
Difficulty opening the mouth
Pain when swallowing
Facial swelling
Recurring infections around a wisdom tooth may be an indication that removal should be considered.
3. Lack of Space
Sometimes there is simply not enough room for the wisdom tooth to erupt properly.
The tooth may grow at an angle or push against the neighbouring molar.
This can make cleaning difficult and may increase the risk of:
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Infection
Damage to the adjacent tooth
4. Tooth Decay
Wisdom teeth can be difficult to brush and floss effectively because they are located at the very back of the mouth.
This can increase the risk of tooth decay.
If the tooth is difficult to restore or is repeatedly causing problems, removal may be recommended.
5. Cysts or Other Problems
In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth may be associated with a cyst or other changes in the surrounding bone.
Although uncommon, this is one reason why assessment and appropriate dental imaging may be recommended.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
No.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed.
A wisdom tooth may not require removal if it:
Has erupted normally
Is healthy
Can be cleaned effectively
Is not causing pain
Is not damaging neighbouring teeth
Is not associated with infection or other pathology
Your dentist can assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth and discuss whether monitoring or removal is appropriate.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Wisdom tooth removal may be recommended if the tooth is causing:
Repeated pain
Recurrent infection
Gum swelling
Tooth decay
Damage to the neighbouring tooth
Cysts or other pathology
Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene
Significant crowding or other dental problems
The decision should be based on an individual assessment.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches or Jaw Pain?
Wisdom tooth problems can sometimes contribute to pain around the jaw and face.
You may experience:
Jaw pain
Facial discomfort
Ear pain
Difficulty opening the mouth
Headaches associated with pain and muscle tension
However, headaches and jaw pain can have many different causes.
If your symptoms continue after the wisdom tooth problem has been treated, further assessment may be required to investigate other possible causes, including TMJ problems or teeth grinding.
What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Consultation?
During a consultation, your dentist may:
Discuss your symptoms
Examine your teeth and gums
Assess the position of the wisdom tooth
Check for infection or swelling
Evaluate the neighbouring teeth
Take dental X-rays where clinically indicated
For more complex cases, additional imaging such as a CBCT scan may be recommended to assess the relationship between the tooth roots and important anatomical structures.
Your dentist can then discuss whether the wisdom tooth should be monitored, treated or removed.
Wisdom Tooth Removal and Dental Sedation
Many patients feel anxious about wisdom tooth treatment.
Dental sedation may be an option for selected patients who are nervous about dental treatment or require more complex wisdom tooth removal.
Sedation can help create a calmer and more comfortable experience during dental treatment.
What Is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation involves using medication to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during dental treatment.
Depending on the type of sedation used, you may remain conscious and able to communicate with the dental team while feeling significantly more relaxed.
The appropriate sedation option depends on:
Your medical history
Your level of anxiety
The complexity of the procedure
The expected length of treatment
Your individual health circumstances
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Under IV Sedation?
In selected cases, wisdom tooth removal may be performed with IV sedation.
IV sedation may be considered for patients who:
Experience significant dental anxiety
Have had previous traumatic dental experiences
Require complex or lengthy dental treatment
Have difficulty tolerating dental procedures
Prefer a more relaxed treatment experience
Your suitability for IV sedation must be assessed before treatment.
Patients receiving IV sedation generally require specific fasting instructions and must arrange an appropriate escort home after treatment.
Your dental team will provide detailed instructions before your appointment.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
During the procedure, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.
Sedation may also be used for suitable patients to help reduce anxiety and improve comfort.
After the procedure, some soreness, swelling or bruising may occur.
Your dentist will provide instructions about:
Pain management
Eating and drinking
Oral hygiene
Activity restrictions
Follow-up care
Recovery can vary depending on the position of the wisdom tooth and the complexity of the removal.
What Should I Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
After wisdom tooth removal, soft foods may be more comfortable.
Suitable options may include:
Soft pasta
Scrambled eggs
Mashed vegetables
Yoghurt
Smooth foods
Soft fish
Avoid very hard, crunchy or extremely hot foods during the early recovery period, according to your dentist's instructions.
Can Wisdom Tooth Pain Go Away by Itself?
Wisdom tooth pain may temporarily improve, but this does not necessarily mean that the underlying problem has resolved.
For example, inflammation around a partially erupted wisdom tooth may settle temporarily before returning.
If you experience repeated wisdom tooth pain, it is important to have the tooth assessed.
When Is Wisdom Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
Seek urgent dental care if you experience:
Severe or rapidly worsening pain
Significant facial swelling
Swelling around the throat or neck
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Fever or feeling very unwell
Difficulty opening your mouth
Pus or a bad taste associated with swelling
Difficulty breathing or swallowing requires immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that have erupted properly and can be cleaned effectively may not need to be removed.
How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?
Pain, swelling, bad taste, bad breath, difficulty opening your mouth and fever may be signs of infection.
Can I have my wisdom teeth removed under sedation?
Selected patients may be suitable for dental sedation, including IV sedation, depending on their health, anxiety levels and the complexity of the procedure.
Is IV sedation safe for wisdom tooth removal?
IV sedation can be appropriate for suitable patients when properly assessed and administered by appropriately qualified professionals. Your medical history and individual circumstances must be considered before treatment.
How long does wisdom tooth removal take?
The treatment time varies depending on the number of teeth being removed and the position and complexity of the wisdom teeth.
Can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain?
Wisdom tooth problems can cause pain and inflammation around the back of the jaw. However, persistent jaw pain may also have other causes, including TMJ disorders and teeth grinding.
Wisdom Tooth Removal and Dental Sedation in Sydney
Wisdom tooth pain should not be ignored, particularly when it is associated with swelling, infection or difficulty opening your mouth.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. A dental assessment and appropriate imaging can help determine whether your wisdom teeth should be monitored or removed.
At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we provide personalised assessments for patients experiencing wisdom tooth pain and dental anxiety.
For suitable patients, dental sedation may be available to help create a calmer and more comfortable treatment experience.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain or are anxious about wisdom tooth removal, contact us to discuss your treatment options.
📞 Call Pain Free Dentist Sydney on 9558 8988.
Serving patients in Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park and Sydney's Inner West.