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Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom teeth (third molars) arrive between roughly 17 and 25 — when there's room, they erupt uneventfully; when there isn't, they impact, tilt into the neighbor, or half-erupt under a flap of gum that traps food and bacteria.
Pericoronitis: the classic flare
A partially erupted lower wisdom tooth with an inflamed gum flap causes pain, bad taste, and difficulty opening — classically flaring during stressful, run-down weeks. Warm salt-water rinses and careful cleaning settle mild episodes; recurring flares are the textbook indication for removal. Swelling of the face or difficulty swallowing moves it to urgent care.
Do they always need to come out?
No — wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, functional, and cleanable can stay, monitored at checkups. Removal is indicated for repeated infection, decay in unreachable positions, damage to the neighboring molar, or cyst formation around an impacted tooth. A panoramic X-ray settles the question; ages 17–25 is the easiest surgical window because roots aren't fully formed.
- Facial swelling spreading toward the eye or down the neck
- Fever with facial swelling
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Bleeding that won't stop with firm pressure
- Jaw trauma or a suspected broken jaw
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General dental-health information, not medical or dental advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.