Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes, Relief and Remedies

Why Does My Wisdom Tooth Hurt?

Wisdom tooth pain is caused mainly by impacted teeth. Impacted teeth are teeth that don’t have enough room to come through the gum. When a tooth erupts at an incorrect angle and gets stuck, the gums become exposed and creates pockets where food and bacteria can get trapped. The resulting inflammation and infection contribute largely to wisdom tooth pain.

Left untreated, the pain will only escalate. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Nuffield Dental for an appointment today.

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Wisdom Tooth Pain Symptoms

Pain at the back of your mouth: Discomfort at the back of your mouth could be due to your molars as your wisdom teeth begin to emerge. This pain can feel dull, throbbing, or sharp, and it may come and go.
Swollen, tender or bleeding gums : Your gums might appear red or swollen near the wisdom tooth area. The gum tissue in this area may feel tender and sore when touched. Your gums may bleed when you brush or floss.
Jaw pain and stiffness: Discomfort, pain, inflammation and tightness in your jaw that makes it difficult to open your mouth all the way or chew comfortably.
Bad breath and unpleasant taste: When food and bacteria become trapped around a partially emerged wisdom tooth, you may experience bad breath and a disagreeable taste in your mouth, a sign of wisdom tooth infection.
Swollen glands or face: Swelling in your cheeks or jaw or tenderness in the glands beneath your jaw might indicate an infection.
Earache or headache: An impacted tooth can cause inflammation in the surrounding tissues and nerves in the jaw. The jaw is connected to your ears and temples. Wisdom tooth pain (jaw) can travel and cause earaches (ears) or headaches (temples).
Sinus pains: When wisdom teeth in your upper jaw emerge, their roots can press against the sinus cavity. This pressure can lead to significant wisdom tooth pain, headaches, and sinus congestion.
Ulcers: Pain from wisdom teeth can result in ulcers because the teeth that are erupting or misplaced might physically irritate the inner cheek or gums, or they can induce infection and inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which breaks down the outer layer and creates sores.

What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Impacted Wisdom Teeth (partially or fully erupted): When another tooth prevents a wisdom tooth from emerging, it can create significant pressure and discomfort. There are four types of impacted wisdom teeth:
- Growing straight up or down, like other teeth, but remaining stuck inside the jawbone.
- Growing slanted toward the rear of the mouth.
- Growing at an angle pointing to the second molar, the adjacent tooth.
- Growing at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth were “lying down” within the jawbone.
Partial Eruptions: Teeth that only partially break through the gum produce gaps that could house food and germs, which causes uncomfortable infections.
Emerging Teeth: Wisdom teeth's natural growing process through the gums causes pain since the gum tissue is stretched and disturbed.
Crowding & Shifting: When impacted wisdom teeth try to grow in a small space, they can crowd and shift against other teeth. Your jaw can become misaligned and you can feel sore and uncomfortable from the pressure of the impacted tooth.
Tooth Decay & Cavities: Impacted wisdom teeth are hard to clean because they are partially erupted or angled funny. This allows them to trap plaque more easily. Over time, this increases your risk for tooth decay and cavities on or around the impacted wisdom tooth and adjacent teeth, which can cause sensitivity or pain.
Gum Disease and Gum Infection (Pericoronitis): Gum disease and infection are more likely to occur around impacted wisdom teeth, where a flap of gum can trap food and bacteria around the impacted area. Symptoms include redness, swelling, gums that bleed, have a bad smell or hurt continuously in the area of the impaction.
Abscesses: Infections around impacted wisdom teeth (from decay, gum issues) can become abscesses (pockets of pus). The pressure from the trapped infection hurts, swells and causes redness near the impacted tooth.
Cysts: Fluid filled sacs (cysts) can form around impacted wisdom teeth. As they grow they press on the jawbone, nerves and teeth causing pain and swelling related to the impacted tooth’s position. Infection of a cyst causes even more pain.
Inflammation: When wisdom teeth start to emerge, the gum around them can get swollen and sore. This can flare up and cause severe pain in the impacted area.

How to Reduce Wisdom Tooth Pain

At-Home Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief

When wisdom tooth pain strikes, it can be hard to focus on daily life. If your symptoms are mild and you’re waiting to see a dentist, some simple remedies may help ease discomfort at home.

Ice Pack: Hold an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel against your jaw for up to 15 minutes. This numbs the area and reduces swelling. You can repeat this every 15 minutes with breaks in between.
Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve a few tablespoons of salt in a glass of cooled, boiled water. Swish the solution around your mouth for several seconds, then spit it out. Repeat two or three times a day to reduce bacteria and irritation.
Cloves or Clove Oil: Place a whole clove beside the painful tooth and gently close your jaw. Leave it there until the pain lessens. With clove oil, dab a few drops onto a cotton wool ball and place it against your sore gum.
Onion: Cut a small piece of raw onion and gently chew it on the painful side of your mouth. The juices help reduce swelling and fight bacteria. Once the pain eases, spit the onion out.
Teabag Compress: Brew a cup of tea (without milk or sugar) and chill it with the teabag still in. Once cold, hold the damp teabag on the sore area inside your mouth. Tea contains tannins that may reduce swelling and infection.

If pain persists, worsens, or you have swelling that will not go away, speak to your dentist as soon as possible.

Over-the-Counter Relief

These options are available in pharmacies like Watsons and Guardian in Singapore.

Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen (Advil) is an over the counter pain reliever and an NSAID. Take the recommended dose on the package and it will help with discomfort and gum inflammation from wisdom tooth development.
Aspirin: Your wisdom teeth pain might be relieved by the aspirin you take for migraines. Read the label and don’t take more than the recommended dose of any kind of aspirin.
Acetaminophen: Can be purchased over-the-counter under brand names like Tylenol or in its generic form. Higher dosages of the drug can be obtained with a prescription.
Benzocaine: Available over-the-counter as an anesthetic and numbing agent in dental pain relievers such as Orajel and Anbesol.

Please check with your doctor/dentist if these OTC products are suitable for you.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, which uses tiny needles, has been studied for its ability to treat pain in alternative medicine. Notably, acupuncture was more effective than a control intervention in reducing the severity of acute dental pain, according to a 2019 randomized research.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction (Wisdom Tooth Surgery)

Wisdom tooth surgery gets rid of wisdom tooth pain by removing the cause of the pain which is often inflammation, infection or pressure on surrounding teeth caused by the impacted wisdom tooth.

Extraction is typically needed in the following situations:

Tooth decay in wisdom teeth that have only partially emerged.
Cysts or tumors affecting the wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth that are damaging nearby teeth.
Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease) involving the wisdom teeth.
To prevent potential future problems like tooth decay and jaw pain.

If the pain is excruciating, don’t hesitate to contact our emergency dentist.

wisdom-tooth-surgery-dental-care-oral-health

Wisdom Tooth Pain Diagnosis

Initial Consultation: Your dentist will ask about your symptoms such as swelling, jaw pain or difficulty opening your mouth.
Examination: Your dentist will examine your mouth looking for signs like red, swollen or tender gums. This will involve:
- A visual inspection of your gums, teeth alignment and jaw.
- A questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history and potential pain triggers.
- Gentle pressure to feel for pain or discomfort. They will also check for any swelling or limitations in your jaw movement.
Dental X-rays: Dentists often recommend X-rays. These will show impacted teeth, signs of infection or damage to adjacent teeth or bone. It’s quick and painless and will help your dentist determine if the wisdom tooth is impacted or if something else is causing your pain.
Referral to Oral Surgeon: If your dentist sees signs of infection or severe swelling, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation or treatment.

When Should You Get a Wisdom Tooth Removed?

You may need removal if your wisdom tooth causes:

Repeated pain
Infection
Damage to nearby teeth

Your dentist will check your mouth and take X-rays to decide if removing the tooth is best for your health.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

During the Extraction

Here’s what to expect during wisdom tooth surgery:

Local anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia will be used to numb the area.
Sedation or anesthesia: Sedation or general anaesthesia may be offered if the tooth is stuck or you are anxious, so you can relax or sleep through the procedure.
Tooth removal: The dentist will remove the impacted wisdom tooth.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Pain Relief

Immediately After the Procedure:

Control bleeding: Bite down gently on a gauze pad that has been placed over the extraction site to control bleeding. As the bleeding stops, change it every 30 to 45 minutes.
Handle swelling: For 15 to 20 minutes at a time, apply an ice pack on the outside of your cheek close to the extraction site.
Rest: Steer clear of physically demanding tasks and get lots of sleep.

First Few Hours Following the Procedure:

Pain relief: Take any recommended painkillers as instructed.
Opt for a soft diet: Choose soft foods and liquids that don't need to be chewed, such smooth yogurt and clear broth.
Steer clear of straws: Steer clear of straws when drinking.

Within the First 24 Hours After the Procedure:

Gentle dental care: Avoid cleaning your teeth near the extraction site. Make use of a soft-bristled manual toothbrush.
Avoid mouthwash: Avoid using over-the-counter mouthwashes unless your dentist has given you special instructions.
Avoid smoking and alcohol: These irritants hinder healing and increase the risk of complications like dry socket (blood clot doesn’t form normally) and infection.

From the First 24 Hours Following Surgery:

Rinse with warm salt water: Following each meal, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (approximately a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water). Gently spit it out after holding it carefully in your mouth.
Steer clear of physically demanding activities: These may re-open the surgical site and delay your recovery.

48 Hours Following the Procedure:

Keep an eye out for complications: If pain persists or if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 2 days after surgery, inform your dentist for a follow-up immediately.

Cost of Treating Wisdom Tooth Pain

Depending on type, wisdom tooth extraction costs can vary widely.

Wisdom Tooth Pain Treatments	Price Range (SGD $)
Impacted wisdom tooth extraction	SGD $200 - SGD $2,500 per tooth
Non-surgical extraction (Simple extraction)	Starts at SGD $150 per tooth
Surgical extraction	Starts at SGD $950 per tooth
Complex surgical extraction	SGD $800 - SGD $1,700 per tooth (up to SGD $2,000 for highly complex cases)
Emergency wisdom tooth extraction	SGD $950 - SGD $1,800 per tooth (may be subject to surcharges)

Are There Subsidies for Treating Wisdom Tooth Pain in Singapore?

If you have a CHAS Blue or CHAS Orange card, you can receive subsidies for basic dental care, including simple wisdom tooth extractions. For more complex procedures, like surgery to remove an impacted wisdom tooth, you can use your MediSave account. You can claim up to SGD $1,550 per surgery.

Talk to your dentist to check what subsidies you qualify for and what documents you need.

Why Choose Nuffield Dental to Treat Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Nuffield Dental has a high average Google rating of 4.8 stars, showing that people trust our care.
Our staff are skilled and up to date. Our dental nurses attend formal training sessions four times a year and learn from senior nurses at the in-house training centre. This training helps our team use the latest methods for wisdom tooth removal and pain management.
Nuffield Dental operates 11 locations across Singapore. This makes it easier for you to visit a clinic, even during a dental emergency. You won’t have to travel far if you need urgent help or an assessment for extraction.
We offer several options to make paying for treatment easier.
- Cash
- NETS
- Credit or debit card
- Bank transfer
- GRAB pay
- FAVEpay
- Atome Paylater

Preventing Wisdom Tooth Pain

Practice good oral hygiene: Floss every day and brush your teeth twice a day. The bacteria that causes gum infections around wisdom teeth can be eliminated using mouthwash.
Attend regular dental check-ups: Every six months, visit your dentist. This enables your dentist to identify any wisdom tooth problems before you have any symptoms.
Request dental X-rays: Updated X-rays help your dentist track the position and health of your wisdom teeth before you notice symptoms.
Reduce sugar intake: Since wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean, eating less sugary food lowers your risk of tooth decay.
Drink plenty of water: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can settle around your wisdom teeth and gums.
Avoid tobacco products: These raise your risk of gum disease, which can increase the likelihood of infection or pain in your wisdom teeth.

Other Causes Of Mouth Pain

Sharp pain in your mouth: Might be linked to problems such as cavities, chipped or cracked teeth, or an old dental filling or dental crown that needs replacing. These issues can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
Throbbing pain: Often a sign of infection or an abscess. Sometimes, an impacted tooth other than your wisdom teeth or gum disease (periodontal disease) may be responsible.
Jaw pain: May feel different from tooth pain. It could be related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ problems can cause pain when chewing or when you try to open your mouth.

If you are unsure what’s causing your discomfort, visit a dentist. They can find the source of the pain and talk to you about the next steps.

Cost Of Root Canal Treatment In Singapore

Root Canal Treatment Cost

The price varies according to the unique treatment prescribed to each individual patient. For example, if a root canal treatment is require for more than one root, the cost would go up as well. However, saving the tooth with a Root Canal treatment is relatively cost-efficient in the long run.

A Root Canal Treatment procedure in Singapore's price ranges from S$500 - S$1700. However, the price may or may not include the crowning of the tooth and consultation charges. Average consultation prices of dental services in Singapore ranges from S$75- S$200.

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Is a Root Canal Treatment procedure painful?

The entire procedure will be done under local anaesthesia, so it will not be painful than getting your tooth filled or a wisdom tooth surgery. However, the affected area may cause discomfort and be slightly sore post-surgery but it goes away after a few days.
If the pain persists, please consult our doctor immediately. You can reach us at +65 9839 7363.

Can I go about my day to day activities after a Root Canal Treatment?
Most patients are able to return to school or work the next day following a Root Canal Treatment. However, it is advised against eating immediately post-surgery as there may be numbness in the affected area.

What are the side effects of a Root Canal Treatment?

The side effects of a Root Canal Treatment differs with each individual. Some people may experience pain or a slight soreness post-surgery, and some people may experience little to no pain at all. This also applies to certain patients experiencing a measured amount of sensitivity associated to cold or heat when consuming food or beverages.

What is the aftercare for a Root Canal Treatment?

As a Root Canal Treatment is considered a restorative procedure, the after-care is deemed crucial to experience lasting effects. After your procedure, your dentist will send you home with pain-killers to counter the soreness you may feel when the anaesthesia wears off. It is also strongly advised against the consumption of food until the numbness wears off. Brushing and flossing daily is encouraged to keep the area clean and this in turn would prevent infection. Upon completing any follow-up appointments for the Root Canal Treatment, you may be required to return to the dentist for a final crown to fully restore the tooth. A properly treated and restored tooth can last as long as your natural teeth.

Can a Root Canal Treatment be unsuccessful?

A Root Canal Treatment has a 90% success rate of fully restoring your tooth. However. failure to fully restore your tooth can occur if there is a loose crown, tooth fracture or decay. Undetected canal branches or an obstruction that causes the cleaning difficulties may also cause a Root Canal Procedure to fail. Should your Root Canal Treatment be unsuccessful, explore options with Nuffield's Endodontist for possible solutions.

Orchard Dental

Nuffield Dental Jewel
Wheelock Place501 Orchard Road #05-01 Singapore 238880

+65 6950 2866

+65 9657 4331

jewel@nuffielddental.com.sg

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FAQs

How common are impacted wisdom teeth?

Very common. Impacted wisdom teeth affect 9 in 10 people in their lifetimes.

What does wisdom tooth pain feel like?

You might notice a dull ache, pressure, or sharp pain at the back of your mouth. Sometimes the gums around the tooth feel sore or swollen. The pain can start off mild and get worse over time, or it can appear suddenly.

How can you reduce wisdom tooth pain?

Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, using a cold compress, or taking over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the sore side, eat soft foods, and keep the area clean. For severe or long-lasting pain, see your dentist.

Is wisdom tooth pain an emergency?

Yes, a painful wisdom tooth can be an emergency and should be taken seriously. Swelling, difficulty swallowing, fever, or severe pain that doesn't respond to painkillers are urgent signs. These could indicate a serious infection or another problem needing immediate dental care to avoid further complications. When in doubt, contact your dentist promptly.

How long does wisdom tooth pain last?

Wisdom tooth pain often lasts a few days to a week, especially while the tooth pushes through your gums. If the tooth is impacted or infected, pain can last longer and may keep returning until a dentist treats it. Monitor your symptoms and see a dentist if the pain continues.

Can wisdom tooth pain go away by itself?

Sometimes wisdom tooth pain settles on its own, especially if the tooth erupts without getting stuck. If pain keeps coming back or gets worse, see a dentist to rule out infection or other issues.

Can you live with wisdom tooth pain?

You can, but it may affect your quality of living. To prevent complications like gum disease, we recommend seeing a dentist as soon as symptoms start to show.

At what age does wisdom tooth pain occur?

Wisdom tooth pain most commonly occurs when the teeth erupt, typically between 17 and 25 years old. However, pain can happen later if impaction, infection, or other issues arise.

Why do wisdom teeth cause issues?

Wisdom teeth often cause problems because there isn’t enough room for them to come in properly. They can press against other teeth, become stuck (impacted), or cause infections. The position of wisdom teeth makes them harder to keep clean and increases the risk of problems.

Why does wisdom tooth pain come and go?

When a wisdom tooth partially erupts, the gums expand and become inflamed. Inflammatory cells are released to the area to fight against microorganisms when the body's natural defensive reaction kicks in, momentarily relieving the discomfort. However, this region still serves as a trap for bacteria and food particles because the partially erupted tooth and the associated gum pocket are still present. The cycle is restarted when additional food becomes stuck and bacteria proliferate, causing the tissue to become inflamed once more and the discomfort to return.

What is the worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction?

Pain often peaks around the second or third day after extraction. Swelling and soreness are usually highest at this time. Follow your dentist’s advice for pain relief and care to help healing.

Why Choose Nuffield Dental?

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre in Singapore. At Nuffield, we put you first. We believe in providing personalised service for each patient.

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. Here at Nuffield Dental, we pride ourselves of our personalised oral care for each and every one of our patients. We need to make sure you get all the help you need to make your dental procedures comfortable, accessible and seamless.

More about Implants

Our dentists have been accredited in root canal and oral surgery for 20+ years. We have accredited dental providers who are skilled in the area of dental implant surgery.

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Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes, Relief and Remedies

Why Does My Wisdom Tooth Hurt?

Wisdom Tooth Pain Symptoms

What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?

How to Reduce Wisdom Tooth Pain

At-Home Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief

Over-the-Counter Relief

How to Treat Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom Tooth Extraction (Wisdom Tooth Surgery)

Wisdom Tooth Pain Diagnosis

When Should You Get a Wisdom Tooth Removed?

Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

During the Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Pain Relief

Cost of Treating Wisdom Tooth Pain

Are There Subsidies for Treating Wisdom Tooth Pain in Singapore?

Why Choose Nuffield Dental to Treat Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Preventing Wisdom Tooth Pain

Other Causes Of Mouth Pain

Cost Of Root Canal Treatment In Singapore

Cost Of Root Canal Treatment In Singapore

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Orchard Dental

The Nuffield Dental Clinic Network In Singapore

How common are impacted wisdom teeth?

What does wisdom tooth pain feel like?

How can you reduce wisdom tooth pain?

Is wisdom tooth pain an emergency?

How long does wisdom tooth pain last?

Can wisdom tooth pain go away by itself?

Can you live with wisdom tooth pain?

At what age does wisdom tooth pain occur?

Why do wisdom teeth cause issues?

Why does wisdom tooth pain come and go?

What is the worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction?

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