You should be concerned about wisdom tooth pain when the ache is constant, causes swelling in your cheek, or makes it hard to open your mouth.
While it is normal to feel a little "pushing" as these back teeth grow in, sharp or throbbing pain usually means something is wrong. Watching for signs of a wisdom tooth infection, like very red gums or a bad taste that won't go away, is the best way to catch a problem early.
If you start to feel a fever or see swelling that moves down your neck, you should see a professional right away.
It can be hard to know if your mouth is just sore from a new tooth or if there is a real problem.
Knowing how to tell if wisdom tooth pain is serious means looking beyond a little ache. If the pain stops you from sleeping or eating, it is time to get help.
If your tooth is growing sideways, it can push against your healthy teeth and cause damage.
When you look for wisdom tooth treatment near you, a professional can take a picture of your jaw to see if the tooth is "impacted" or stuck.
This is very common, and fixing it early prevents your other teeth from getting crowded or crooked.
| What You Feel | Normal Growth | Needs a Dentist |
| Pain Level | Comes and goes | Stays all day and night |
| Swelling | Just a little on the gum | Swelling in the cheek or neck |
| Breath | Smells normal | Bad breath or a foul taste |
| Eating | Can eat normally | Hurting too much to chew |
It is easy to hope the pain will go away, but waiting can lead to bigger issues. Since wisdom teeth are so far back, they are very hard to clean.
Visiting a dental office in Vinnings is important because germs love to hide under the gum flap of a new tooth. If these germs stay there, they can cause a painful infection called an abscess.
When you see a dentist near you, they will use an X-ray to look under your gums. This is the only way to see whether the tooth is growing straight or is heading toward a nerve.
Most visits are very brief, and you will get a clear plan for stopping the pain.
Dealing with tooth pain is never fun, but you don't have to suffer through it. Listening to your body and getting help early is the smartest way to stay healthy.
Whether your wisdom teeth just started poking through or they have been hurting for a while, getting an answer from a pro will help you feel much better.
At Heart of Vinings Dentistry, we want to make sure you stay comfortable and happy. Our team is here to help you get back to your normal, pain-free life as quickly as possible.
Will the pain go away on its own?
The pain might stop for a few days, but if the tooth is stuck or infected, the problem will keep coming back until it is fixed.
Can we wait a few months?
It is better to act fast. An infection in the back of the mouth can spread to your throat or jaw if left untreated.
Does it always hurt to get them pulled?
No, the dentist will thoroughly numb the area so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
What if I don't have all my wisdom teeth?
Some people are born without them, and others have only one or two. This is perfectly normal!
