Wisdom Tooth Pain: When It’s an Emergency

San Juan Capistrano, CA

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Many young adults and even older patients experience wisdom tooth pain. Sometimes it’s mild and temporary, but in other cases, it can signal a serious problem that requires immediate attention. At Kaban Dental Group in San Juan Capistrano, we often hear patients from Dana Point, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and San Clemente ask: “How do I know if my wisdom tooth pain is an emergency?”

Here’s how to tell the difference—and what to do if you need urgent care.

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Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

• Eruption pain – as wisdom teeth break through the gums

• Impaction – when there’s not enough space for the tooth to grow in properly

• Pericoronitis – infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth

• Decay or infection – wisdom teeth are harder to clean, leading to cavities

• Crowding or shifting – pushing against neighboring teeth

Learn more about Tooth Extractions in San Juan Capistrano.

When Wisdom Tooth Pain Is Not an Emergency

• Mild soreness or swelling as the tooth breaks through the gum

• Temporary irritation that goes away with over-the-counter pain relief

• Minor gum tenderness without spreading infection

In these cases, schedule a routine appointment to monitor your wisdom teeth.

Signs It’s a Dental Emergency

Seek same-day dental care if you notice:

• Severe, throbbing pain that doesn’t improve

• Swelling in your face, jaw, or neck

• Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing

• Fever, chills, or signs of spreading infection

• Pus or a bad taste near the wisdom tooth

Learn more about Emergency Dental Care in San Juan Capistrano.

Treatment Options

1. Antibiotics – if an infection is present

2. Irrigation and cleaning – for localized gum infection (pericoronitis)

3. Extraction – if the wisdom tooth is impacted, decayed, or repeatedly infected

4. Pain management – to reduce swelling and discomfort while healing

Learn more about Root Canals in San Juan Capistrano (sometimes used for infected wisdom teeth, though extraction is more common).

Preventing Wisdom Tooth Emergencies

• Get regular dental checkups to monitor wisdom teeth development

• Take X-rays to detect impaction early

• Practice good oral hygiene, especially at the back of the mouth

• Address minor pain before it turns into a larger problem

Learn more about Preventive Care in San Juan Capistrano

Local Emergency Wisdom Tooth Care in South OC

At Kaban Dental Group, we treat wisdom tooth pain quickly and effectively for patients in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo.

If you have severe wisdom tooth pain, don’t wait—call (949) 496-5585 or schedule an emergency appointment online.