How Do I Know if My Wisdom Tooth Pain is Serious Enough to Need Removal?

Wisdom tooth pain is a common issue that many people experience at some point. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort from a partially erupted tooth, infection, or another problem, it’s important to know when your pain requires professional intervention—and possibly extraction. At Springvale Dental Clinic in Springvale South, VIC, we’re here to help you understand when wisdom tooth pain might be serious enough to need removal.

Signs That You Might Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction

While not every instance of wisdom tooth pain warrants extraction, there are certain signs that suggest it’s time to consult your dentist. Here are some key indicators that the pain might require professional treatment:

  1. Persistent or Severe Pain

Some discomfort during the eruption of wisdom teeth is normal. However, if the pain persists for several days or becomes intense, it could signal an underlying issue. If over-the-counter pain medications don’t help, or the pain continues to worsen, it’s time to visit your dentist. Persistent pain often indicates an infection, impaction, or other conditions that may require the removal of the tooth.

  1. Swelling and Redness Around the Tooth

Swelling and redness around your wisdom tooth are common signs of an infection or inflammation, particularly pericoronitis. This occurs when the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed due to trapped bacteria. Infections can cause significant pain and swelling, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious complications.

  1. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth or Swallowing

If you’re finding it hard to open your mouth or swallow, it could be a sign of an infection or impacted wisdom teeth. Difficulty in these areas may indicate that the wisdom tooth is causing severe irritation or inflammation. It’s important to see a dentist if you notice these symptoms, as they may require immediate attention.

  1. Foul Taste or Odor in Your Mouth

A persistent bad taste or odour in your mouth is often linked to an infection caused by food particles or bacteria trapped around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. If this issue doesn’t resolve with good oral hygiene, it’s time to consult your dentist. An untreated infection can spread and cause more significant health issues.

  1. Pain When Chewing or Biting

If you experience pain while chewing or biting, it could be because your wisdom tooth is misaligned or impacted. This can place pressure on surrounding teeth and cause discomfort. In some cases, this can lead to tooth damage, and extraction may be necessary to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.

When to See a Dentist

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring the pain or symptoms can lead to worsening infection or more serious oral health problems.

At Springvale Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring your comfort throughout any treatment. Our team can help assess your wisdom tooth situation and recommend the best course of action for your health.

Payment Plans and Insurance Options

To make your dental care more accessible, we accept a variety of insurance providers, including:

  • HCF
  • NIB,
  • Bupa
  • Medibankand more

We also offer flexible payment plans such as:

  • Afterpay
  • Humm
  • Denticare

This makes it easier for you to get the care you need without worrying about the cost.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact Springvale Dental Clinic today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team will help you determine if wisdom tooth extraction is necessary and provide the best treatment options for your oral health.

Your comfort and well-being are our priority!