HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Pain Around The Wisdom Tooth?

Posted on Fri, 1 Jul 2016

Question: I have pain on the inside of the mouth at the very back of the bottom row of my teeth where the gum comes together with the cheek. The pain seems to be under the tissue, I had it about a week or so ago and it returned. Not sure what is causing it. I have a college test this morning and cant sleep because of it. I am wondering if it is going to be worth my time to go see a dentist.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Might be due to inflammation of gum flap over wisdom tooth..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain pain inside the mouth at the bottom back region of teeth where gum meets the cheeks is the area where the wisdom tooth erupts.
It commonly occurs due to inflammation of the gum flap over the wisdom tooth..

I would like to know a few more details so that I can guide you better..

1.Do you have wisdom tooth erupted in that area?
2.Is there any swelling present in that area?
3.Is there any pus discharge present or do you experience any bad taste in mouth?

Please revert back with answers..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (39 minutes later)

1.Do you have wisdom tooth erupted in that area?
hmm I do not believe so. I am not sure how close to the surface it is suppose to feel. I do not pay much attention to that. It does feel more defined than the right side. I cant see a tooth popping out or anything as far as I can tell.
2.Is there any swelling present in that area?
I had my roommate double check and he says it seems slightly swollen compared to my right side.
3.Is there any pus discharge present or do you experience any bad taste in mouth?
No bad taste and I do no puss from what I can tell

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be Pericoronitis..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome back..

As per your answers it seems that you have an inflamed gum flap over the wisdom tooth. There is a possibility of impaction [wisdom tooth that does not erupt completely on its own]..
The gum flap over the tooth generally tears to make space for the wisdom tooth to erupt and there is formation of a pocket in between the tooth and the gum flap where the food accumulation takes place and causes bacterial proliferation. This causes inflammation in that area that leads to pain and swelling and if not treated there can be pus discharge from the area.

It would be worthwhile to consult an Oral Surgeon and get an x ray of the area done to rule out the exact cause of the problem and treat you accordingly.

At this point, I will suggest you take anti inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen. This is available over the counter. You can also do warm saline gargles. Alternatively you can gargle with listerine / betadine mouth wash solution. Do cool compresses over the affected cheek. Plan to consult the dentist after exams tomorrow.

Hope this helps. Any further queries are welcome.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (21 minutes later)

I most definitely have this so-called "pocket"

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Start the above remedies..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome back..

You can start the remedies as I advised above and consult an Oral Surgeon soon..

If your query is resolved please give me a five star rating and write a positive review as a token of appreciation and encouragement..

If you have any further queries you are welcome..

Regards.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad