Wisdom Tooth Pain: Is It an Infection? (Signs of Pericoronitis & What to Do)

Clinically reviewed by Dr Shaheen Alghofari, GDC-registered dentist (GDC no. 318372) at Twilight Dental, Leeds. Need to be seen today? See our emergency help for wisdom tooth pain in Leeds — consultation £24 until 10pm, or call 0113 819 7865.

Wisdom tooth pain is a common dental issue, but when the area becomes swollen, tender, or difficult to clean, it is often a sign of a more serious problem called pericoronitis — an infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.

At Twilight Dental in Leeds, we frequently treat patients suffering from this exact issue. Here is everything you need to know about spotting the infection and getting fast relief.

What is Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis occurs when bacteria, plaque, and food particles become trapped under the small flap of gum tissue covering a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Because this area is incredibly difficult to reach with a toothbrush, the bacteria multiply rapidly. Without prompt treatment, the infection can worsen, spread to the cheek or neck, and cause significant discomfort.

Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Infection

You likely have an active infection if you notice any of the following signs:

• Constant Pain: A throbbing ache at the back of your mouth.
• Gum Inflammation: Swollen, red, or bleeding gums around the wisdom tooth.
• Unpleasant Taste/Odor: A bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath (halitosis) caused by trapped bacteria.
• Restricted Movement: Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth fully (Trismus).
• Visible Swelling: Swelling in the cheek or jawline.
• Pain When Eating: Discomfort or biting down on the swollen gum flap while chewing.

Note: If you experience severe jaw swelling or extreme difficulty opening your mouth, it’s important to seek urgent dental care immediately.

How We Treat Wisdom Tooth Infections in Leeds

Treatment depends on the severity of your infection, but our primary goal is to get you out of pain immediately. Options include:

1. Professional Cleaning: Your emergency dentist will thoroughly clean and flush the area under the gum flap to remove trapped bacteria and debris.
2. Medication & Antibiotics: We will recommend appropriate pain relief. If there are signs the infection is spreading or causing a fever, antibiotics will be prescribed.
3. Minor Gum Procedure: In some cases, the gum flap covering the tooth can be reshaped or removed to make cleaning easier and prevent future buildup.
4. Wisdom Tooth Removal (Extraction): If the infection keeps returning and the tooth has no room to grow safely, extracting the wisdom tooth is often the best long-term solution.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable. Contact an emergency dentist urgently if you experience:

• Visible facial swelling on the outside of your cheek or under your jaw.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (Call 999 or go to A&E if breathing is compromised).
• Severe pain that is not controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.
• A fever or feeling generally unwell.

Early treatment prevents dangerous complications and provides fast relief.

Struggling with wisdom tooth pain today?

Don’t ignore the signs of infection. Book a Same-Day Appointment at Twilight Dental in Leeds or call our emergency line now +44 7707 558861.

Frequently asked questions