A partly erupted wisdom tooth often traps food and bacteria under a flap of gum, which becomes inflamed and painful (pericoronitis). Dry socket is a separate, intensely painful problem that can follow an extraction.
We connect you with a vetted Enfield dentist who can treat wisdom-tooth and gum emergencies. The measures below help while you wait.
Inflamed gum flap (pericoronitis)
Warm salt-water rinses help clear debris from under the gum flap and ease mild inflammation. Painkillers to the packet dose help the discomfort. If the area is swelling, you have a fever, or it is hard to open your mouth, you need to be seen promptly.
Dry socket after an extraction
Dry socket usually appears a few days after a tooth is removed, with a deep ache and often a bad taste, because the protective blood clot has been lost. It is not dangerous but it is very painful and a dentist can dress the socket to settle it quickly.
- Avoid smoking, vigorous rinsing and straws after an extraction, which dislodge the clot.
- Keep the area clean with gentle salt-water rinses from the day after.
- See a dentist for a dressing if pain worsens two to four days later.
Swollen gum at the back
A swollen gum at the very back of the mouth that keeps recurring may mean the wisdom tooth needs assessment. Persistent or spreading swelling should be checked rather than repeatedly waiting it out.
Wisdom teeth and gums: common questions
Related emergencies
This is a dental matching service, not a medical service
For genuine medical emergencies — uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling spreading to your eye, throat or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or feeling severely unwell — these are hospital problems and need IV antibiotics, not a dental appointment.