Dental answers, made clearer
Get straightforward answers about wisdom tooth pain, impaction, infection, removal and what to expect during recovery.
Wisdom teeth are usually recommended for removal when they're impacted, growing at an angle, causing crowding, or repeatedly trapping food and bacteria. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out; some erupt normally and cause no problems at all.
Read the answerAn impacted wisdom tooth often causes dull jaw pain, swelling near the back of the mouth, and discomfort when opening wide or chewing. Some people also notice a bad taste or mild fever if the area has become infected.
Read the answerThe procedure itself is done under local or sedation anesthesia, so it isn't painful during removal, though some soreness and swelling are normal for a few days afterward. Most discomfort is manageable with the pain relief and aftercare instructions provided by the dentist.
Read the answerDry socket occurs when the blood clot that normally forms after a tooth extraction gets dislodged or dissolves too early, leaving the bone and nerves exposed. It typically causes intense pain a few days after extraction and needs a dentist to clean and dress the socket.
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