Wisdom tooth pain, how do I know if it needs to come out?

David Zhukovsky - Verified provider

Hi Ravi, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, however, if there is pain or a possible infection then it may need to be removed. The first thing to do is see a dentist, have them take a look and take an xray. They can determine if there is an infection, prescribe antibiotics if needed and plan for an extraction or refer you to an Oral Surgeon. Sometimes the pain could be coming from something call Pericoronitis, it is an infection or inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth. Its often caused by trapped bacteria or you ate and irritated it. You can try warm salt water rinses, your dentist can flush it out and clean it. It may heal but if it keeps recurring, then again its better to just remove the wisdom tooth. Hope this helps 🙏

honestlyNina

Same. Don't put it off too long though, the infection can spread and that's way worse.

tinyDeskLamp

Salt water rinses helped me get through it until my appointment. Half teaspoon in a glass of warm water a few times a day.

honestlyNina

Sounds like pericoronitis, that's what I had. Once it starts coming back over and over it's basically time to take it out.