Wisdom Tooth Pain in Leeds
Pain at the very back of the jaw, a swollen gum flap, a bad taste and difficulty opening your mouth usually mean a wisdom tooth has become infected. Twilight Dental treats wisdom tooth problems 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at our clinic in Woodhouse, Leeds.
Typical signs of an infected wisdom tooth
- Throbbing or gnawing pain behind the last molar, often worse when biting
- A red, swollen flap of gum over a partly erupted tooth
- Bad taste or bad breath from discharge under the gum
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully, or pain on swallowing
- Swelling of the cheek or under the jaw, sometimes with a temperature
- Pain that spreads to the ear, temple or side of the neck
What is pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis is infection of the gum overlying a partly erupted wisdom tooth. Food and bacteria collect under the gum flap, which cannot be cleaned properly, and the tissue becomes inflamed and swollen. The upper wisdom tooth then bites onto the swollen flap, which makes it worse. It is the most common reason people in their late teens and twenties end up at an emergency dentist.
Left alone, pericoronitis tends to recur, and each episode is usually worse than the last. Our guide to recognising pericoronitis covers the warning signs.
How we treat it
- Examination and X-ray to see the angle of the tooth, its roots and its relationship to the nerve in the lower jaw.
- Cleaning under the gum flap to flush out debris and bacteria — this alone often brings rapid relief.
- Relieving the bite where an opposing upper tooth is traumatising the flap.
- Antibiotics if the infection is spreading, if there is a fever, or if you cannot open your mouth — alongside treatment, not instead of it.
- A plan for the tooth itself: monitoring if it is likely to erupt fully, or removal if the episodes are recurring.
When it needs urgent attention
Call us the same day if you have swelling, fever, or pain that will not settle with painkillers. Go to A&E or call 999 if you cannot swallow, if swelling is spreading down your neck or under your tongue, or if you are struggling to breathe. Infection from a lower wisdom tooth can track into the tissue spaces of the neck, which is a hospital problem.
What helps in the meantime
- Warm salt water rinses, held over the area, several times a day
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen taken as directed on the packet, if both are suitable for you
- Keeping the area as clean as you can with a soft brush, even though it is tender
- Soft food, and avoiding chewing on that side
- Not smoking — it makes pericoronitis considerably worse
Does the tooth have to come out?
Not always. A wisdom tooth that is coming through in a good position and can be cleaned may settle for good after one episode. Removal is recommended when infections keep coming back, when the tooth is impacted against the tooth in front, when decay has set in, or when it is damaging the second molar. If removal is the right course we can carry out both simple and surgical extractions here, and we will explain the risks — including nerve proximity in the lower jaw — before you agree to anything.
Wisdom tooth pain — your questions answered
Can you see me tonight for wisdom tooth pain?
Yes. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with an on-call dentist available at any hour. Call 0113 819 7865.
Will antibiotics fix it?
Antibiotics can settle a spreading infection, but they do not remove the cause. Without cleaning under the flap, and often removal of the tooth, the pain returns.
How long does pericoronitis last?
An episode typically settles over a few days once treated. Untreated, it can drag on for weeks and recur every few months.
Is removing a lower wisdom tooth risky?
There is a small risk of temporary or, rarely, permanent altered sensation in the lip and tongue because of the nerve that runs near the roots. We assess this on X-ray and discuss it with you beforehand.
Can I be seen if I am not registered?
Yes. No referral or registration is needed.
I am a student at Leeds — do you offer a discount?
Yes. Ask reception about our student discount when you book.
Wisdom tooth flaring up?
Call 0113 819 7865 at any hour and we will get you seen. Book online or message us on WhatsApp if you prefer.
