Wisdom teeth pain killer

For wisdom-tooth pain, a dentist must check the cause; short-term pain relief may involve a suitable nonprescription medicine and gentle local care.

Pain around a third molar can result from inflamed gum over a partially erupted tooth, decay, infection, pressure on nearby tissue, or inflammation of the tooth pulp. The correct medicine depends on health conditions, allergies, other medicines, and the cause of pain.

Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and rinse carefully with warm salt water if it is comfortable. Follow the label of any pain medicine, do not place tablets against the gum, and avoid smoking while the area is inflamed.

Arrange prompt dental care for worsening pain, facial swelling, fever, pus, restricted mouth opening, or difficulty swallowing. Breathing difficulty or rapidly spreading swelling is an emergency.

Ask whether the tooth needs cleaning, restoration, gum treatment, extraction, or another procedure, and which pain medicine fits my medical history.