Emergency wisdom tooth removal nhs
A painful or infected wisdom tooth needs urgent assessment, with removal planned after examination, imaging, and control of swelling or infection.
The short answer
An acutely painful or infected wisdom tooth needs urgent dental assessment, with removal planned after examination, imaging, and control of swelling or infection.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
A wisdom tooth is the third molar. A partly erupted tooth can trap food beneath a gum flap, causing pericoronitis, while decay or pulp infection can affect it or the neighbouring molar.
What can you do next?
Keep the area clean, rinse gently with warm salt water, eat softer foods, and use only suitable pain medicine. The dentist may perform simple or surgical extraction.
When should you seek dental care?
Facial swelling, fever, pus, worsening pain, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing needs urgent care.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what is causing the symptom, which examination or imaging is needed, and which treatment options address that cause.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about this problem?
A wisdom tooth is the third molar. A partly erupted tooth can trap food beneath a gum flap, causing pericoronitis, while decay or pulp infection can affect it or the neighbouring molar.
What is the next practical step?
Keep the area clean, rinse gently with warm salt water, eat softer foods, and use only suitable pain medicine. The dentist may perform simple or surgical extraction.