General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
A partly erupted wisdom tooth may leave gum covering its crown that becomes infected: this is pericoronitis. Describe pain and swelling at the back of the mouth to your dentist.
The consultation checks whether this tooth explains the symptoms and assesses surrounding tissues. If removal is considered, the medical history and clinical examination are usually complemented by a panoramic dental X-ray.
Removal depends on the findings and individual risks. Recurrent pericoronitis or disease resistant to conservative treatment is among the indications described by HAS; a painful tooth should not be removed without examination.
If pain becomes unbearable or opening your mouth is difficult, see a dentist the same day. In France, call 15 or 112 promptly for difficulty swallowing or breathing, fever, or a very swollen face or neck.
An impacted tooth without symptoms or disease does not justify routine removal. The professional should explain the balance between benefits and possible complications, and monitoring if the tooth is retained.
To decide with the practitioner, note previous episodes and ask what supports removal or retention. Before leaving, clarify your next review and what to do if the pain returns.
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