The Truth About Wisdom Tooth Pain: When to Worry, When to Wait
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A wisdom tooth removal can seem like a nightmare for some people. But the real nightmare is leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated, which can lead to even more severe issues. Most of the time it's easy to tell if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed — one of the most common symptoms is pain, and on occasion it can be so severe that people can't eat.
Here's what that pain is actually telling you, stage by stage.
Stage 1: The First Ache (Wisdom Tooth Pain)
Most people don't expect their wisdom teeth to show up again in adulthood — but they usually start growing in during the teen years or early-20s, which is where the name comes from. As they arrive, they literally need to part the gums, tearing through some of the flesh along the way, which is why this first stage often comes with real soreness. If you notice this kind of ache starting in the back of your mouth, it's worth seeing a dentist ASAP, so they can confirm your wisdom teeth are growing in the way they should — and catch anything concerning before it becomes bigger. Around 10 million wisdom teeth are removed every year due to issues at this exact stage.
Watch: How to Tell If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
Not sure whether that soreness is your wisdom teeth coming in, or something more serious? In this short video, Dr. Bull walks through the early signs to watch for — and when it's time to come see us because of the Wisdom Tooth Pain.
Stage 2: When Something Feels Off
Not every wisdom tooth grows in cleanly. Sometimes they come in at an angle, pressing against neighboring teeth and irritating the gum tissue around them — this is called an impacted wisdom tooth. It's a stage worth taking seriously: left untreated, an impacted tooth can become genuinely painful and open the door to infection. The fix is usually straightforward — removal before things progress further.
Stage 3: The Infection Tipping Point
If an issue at either of the first two stages goes unaddressed, infection is often what follows. This usually traces back to a tooth that didn't come in straight, or a small gap in the gums where bacteria found a way in. That area is hard to reach even with regular brushing, so bacteria can linger and build. Over time, the infection can spread from the gums into the tooth itself and even the surrounding bone — at which point it's constantly triggering pain through the nerve. Once an infection reaches this stage, removal is no longer optional.
What This Means for Your Care in Guelph
At Westwood & Starwood Dental, we don't look at wisdom teeth in isolation — we look at how they're affecting your bite, your jaw comfort, and your oral health as a whole before recommending any next step. That way, you always understand exactly why a treatment is (or isn't) the right move for you. If you're noticing any of the signs above, please don't hesitate to reach out and get it looked at.
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