How Is Wisdom Tooth Pain Treated?

Diagnosing the Cause of Wisdom Tooth Pain

At Bayswater Dental Clinic, our dentists will carry out a full assessment to determine what’s causing your discomfort. Using detailed imaging, we can identify whether the wisdom tooth is impacted, infected, or if a cyst or abscess has developed around it. Once the cause is clear, we’ll recommend the most effective treatment — which may include antibiotics, cleaning the area, or a wisdom tooth extraction if necessary.

Monitoring and Preventative Care

Regular dental check-ups are key to preventing painful wisdom tooth problems. By monitoring wisdom tooth development early, your dentist can spot any signs of infection, inflammation, or impaction before they escalate. In some cases, it’s safe to let the tooth continue to develop naturally — but this decision should always be made based on your dentist’s advice and ongoing evaluation.

Treatment Options

For partially erupted wisdom teeth, removing the small flap of gum covering the tooth can relieve pressure and reduce the risk of bacteria becoming trapped underneath. This minor procedure can often provide quick relief from infection and discomfort.

If extraction is required, it can be performed either in a dental clinic or at a hospital by a dental surgeon. The area is first numbed with a local anaesthetic, and gentle pressure is applied to loosen the tooth from its socket. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes, though more complex cases may last up to 20 minutes or slightly longer.

Recovery and Aftercare

Once the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness or swelling is common for the next few days. Most patients recover within three days, although some tenderness can last for up to two weeks. Your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash, over-the-counter pain relief, or prescribe antibiotics to support healing and prevent infection.