Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that usually emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. By the time these teeth begin to surface, the other 28 teeth are usually already in place, often leaving little room for the wisdom teeth to grow properly. Additionally, their position makes it difficult to clean them, leading to infections and cavities.
This can result in various dental issues, including wisdom tooth pain.
Wisdom teeth often emerge at an angle, too close to adjacent teeth, or only partially, and in some cases, they may not emerge at all. Partially exposed wisdom teeth create pockets where food and bacteria get trapped, leading to infection and pain.
Although the only permanent solution is often to have the wisdom teeth removed by a dentist, your dentist may need to consider the situation for optimal treatment.
Understanding the potential complications and managing the pain at home while awaiting professional treatment is crucial for maintaining comfort and oral health.
Table of Contents
ToggleUnderstanding wisdom tooth pain
Pain in the wisdom teeth can occur for many reasons. It might occur during the tooth’s eruption as it pushes through the gum tissue, often referred to as wisdom tooth eruption pain.
In some instances, the tooth may be impacted, meaning it doesn’t fully emerge or grow at an angle, leading to impacted wisdom tooth pain. Additionally, a wisdom tooth that becomes decayed can cause significant discomfort.
Wisdom tooth pain area
The location of pain from the wisdom tooth varies mainly depending on the region where it is affected and the issue at hand. In general, the pain is limited to the back portion of the mouth, where the teeth try to emerge.
However, do note that this can differ depending on whether the lower or upper teeth are involved.
- Wisdom tooth gum pain: Pain is felt in the gums that surround the wisdom tooth.
- Upper wisdom tooth pain: When the upper wisdom teeth are affected, the pain might not be confined to the tooth itself. It can radiate to the upper jaw and, in some cases, even extend to the sinuses.
- Lower wisdom tooth pain: Pain from lower wisdom teeth can be more pronounced because these teeth are often more prone to impaction.
What does wisdom tooth pain feel like?
The pain from the wisdom tooth can differ in its nature and intensity. It may begin as a dull, throbbing sensation in the back of the mouth and evolve into sharp, intense pain, particularly if the tooth is impacted or infected.
Some people experience a constant ache, while others may feel intermittent pain that gets worse while chewing or touching the affected area.
What causes wisdom tooth pain?
Factors contributing to wisdom tooth pain can be numerous. Here are some of the few:
- Eruption: As the wisdom tooth breaks through the gums, it can cause soreness and tenderness.
- Impaction: When a tooth is unable to emerge fully, it can press against other teeth or remain trapped below the gum, resulting in pain.
- Crowding: The emergence of wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, which can lead to pressure and discomfort in the surrounding teeth.
- Tooth decay: If a wisdom tooth becomes decayed, it can cause severe pain and may spread infection to adjacent teeth. This makes them more susceptible to decay, especially if food particles and bacteria get trapped around them.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can leave an opening in the gums, making it easy for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. This infection, known as pericoronitis, can cause severe pain.
Wisdom tooth pain symptoms
Here are some of the early warning signs of wisdom tooth pain:
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the back of the mouth.
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing.
- A persistent bad taste or bad breath.
- Redness and inflammation around the wisdom tooth area.
Wisdom tooth pain complications
If left untreated, wisdom tooth pain can lead to various complications, such as:
- Damage to other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth. This pressure can damage the adjacent teeth, leading to problems such as erosion of enamel and tooth loss.
- Cysts: This is one of the most severe complications. Fluid-filled sacs that may form around the impacted tooth. If left unattended this can lead to bone loss or damage to surrounding structures.
- Decay: Due to their location, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly. If not addressed, decay can spread to other teeth.
- Gum disease: The difficulty of cleaning wisdom teeth can lead to gum disease, which may result in further oral health issues.
How to relieve wisdom tooth pain – Treatment options
Over the years, several pain management options have evolved depending on the specific issue and its severity. Here are some that your dentist may consider:
Painkillers for wisdom tooth pain
For immediate relief, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly recommended. These medications are designed specifically to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, making them effective for managing mild to moderate discomfort.
Ibuprofen, in particular, is often preferred for dental pain because of its anti-inflammatory abilities. This can reduce swelling around the affected tooth.
Wisdom tooth extraction
When wisdom tooth pain is persistent or is associated with other complications such as impaction, decay, or infection, extraction is often the best course of action.
In this method, the problematic wisdom tooth is removed to avoid further issues. The wisdom tooth extraction is usually performed by a certified dental surgeon under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s comfort level.
Also read: Wisdom tooth extraction: When do you need it removed?
Wisdom tooth surgery
In some cases, the wisdom tooth is severely impacted or has not fully emerged out of the gum line. In such cases, surgery may be required.
This procedure is often more complex than a simple extraction. This method involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth.
Sometimes, the tooth may need to be divided into smaller sections for ease of removal.
Wisdom tooth surgery is usually recommended when the tooth’s position or angle is in such a way that it makes simple extraction risky or difficult.
Home remedies for wisdom tooth pain relief
In some instances, the dentist’s appointment may take longer to be available to the patient. In such cases, you could use home remedies to alleviate the pain temporarily. Some of these include:
- Saltwater rinse: A saltwater rinse is a simple and effective way to reduce inflammation and cleanse the area around the wisdom tooth. Warm salt water can easily soothe irritated gums and flush out trapped food particles or bacteria.
- Pain reliever gel: Over-the-counter topical gels or ointments containing benzocaine can be applied directly to the affected area to temporarily numb the pain. These gels provide quick relief and can be used alongside oral painkillers.
- Turmeric paste: Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Applying a paste of turmeric and water to the sore area can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Tea tree oil: When applied in diluted form to the affected area, tea tree oil can help reduce infection and pain. It is known for its antibacterial properties. However, it’s important to use tea tree oil with caution, as it is potent and should not be ingested.
- Cold compress: Gently applying an ice pack to the outer region of the cheek near the affected region can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. This method is particularly useful for easing throbbing pain and inflammation.
When should you see a dentist?
If your wisdom tooth pain lasts more than a few days, is unbearable, or is accompanied by additional symptoms such as swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, you should consult a certified dentist as soon as possible.
Early intervention can help avoid further complications and provide lasting pain relief when wisdom teeth are painful.
Wisdom tooth removal cost in Malaysia
The cost of wisdom tooth removal in Malaysia can vary depending on:
- Location of the tooth.
- Complexity of the extraction.
- Requirement of surgery, etc.
In addition, the cost is determined by the expertise and experience of your dentist and the location of the clinic.
Preventing wisdom tooth pain
Although it is nearly impossible to prevent wisdom tooth pain in all cases, there are certain steps which you could take to minimise the pain and chances of complications. They are
- Regular dental check-ups: Routine visits to a certified dentist help in early detection and management of potential issues.
- Maintaining oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing helps to avoid gum disease and decay around the wisdom teeth.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: These foods can aggravate an already painful wisdom tooth, so it is best to avoid them at all costs.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash: This can help keep the area thoroughly clean and reduce the risk of infection.
- Removal of wisdom tooth: In certain situations, early removal of wisdom teeth may be advised to prevent potential future issues.
FAQs
1. Should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth need not be removed if they are healthy, fully erupted, and do not cause pain or complications. However, it is better to remove them if they are causing pain or other complications.
2. What does wisdom tooth pain feel like?
Wisdom tooth pain can range from a dull, throbbing ache to sharp, intense pain, often worsening when chewing or touching the affected area.
3. Can wisdom teeth be treated without removal?
In some cases, wisdom teeth can be managed without removal through pain relief methods, antibiotics, or minor dental procedures. However, if the tooth is severely impacted or decayed, extraction may be the best option.
4. What is the best treatment for wisdom tooth infection?
The best treatment for wisdom teeth infections typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. If the tooth is causing ongoing problems, extraction should follow.
5. How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
The duration of wisdom tooth pain varies significantly. If the pain is due to an infection, it may last until the disease is treated. Pain from an erupting tooth usually subsides once the tooth has fully emerged.
6. How long does wisdom tooth growing pain last?
Pain associated with wisdom tooth eruption can last for a few days to several weeks, depending on how quickly the tooth breaks through the gum.
7. What to do for throbbing pain after wisdom tooth extraction?
Throbbing pain after extraction is common and can be managed with prescribed painkillers, ice packs, and rest. If the pain persists, it’s important to consult your dentist.
8. Why does wisdom tooth pain come and go?
Wisdom tooth pain may come and go due to factors such as the tooth’s movement, pressure on surrounding teeth, or fluctuations in infection levels.
Conclusion
Although wisdom tooth pain is a common issue, it can significantly impact your daily life. If left untreated, it could range from simple difficulty eating to potentially more severe dental complications.
Thus, it is important to understand the symptoms, causes and available treatment options to manage the situation effectively. If you are experiencing severe wisdom tooth pain, it’s important to seek professional advice immediately.
Contact us at mydentist® for a consultation if you experience pain or need wisdom tooth extraction services.

Dr. Foo Chi Chean is a highly esteemed dental surgeon and implantologist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He holds the position of Pacific Rim Representative of the American Academy of Osseointegration and has served as the first Malaysian President of the Asian Oral Implant Academy. With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Malaya (BDS, 1977), Dr. Foo has developed a profound expertise in oral implantology and cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Foo's illustrious career includes extensive lecturing on cosmetic dentistry and implantology across the globe. He has been invited to share his knowledge in countries such as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
He has been conferred prestigious Fellowships from the International College of Dentists (Washington), the International Congress of Oral Implantology (USA), and the Asian Oral Implant Academy (Tokyo).
In addition to his clinical and lecturing roles, Dr. Foo has served as the Consultant Cosmetic Dentist for the Miss Tourism International Pageant and the Queen of the Year International Finals.
Recognized for his contributions to dental wellness, he has been honoured as a diplomate of the International Congress of Implantologists (USA).
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Foo, visit mydentist.com.my