Infected Wisdom Teeth
Infected Wisdom Teeth – Emergency Dentist in Edinburgh (Open 7 Days a Week)
If you’re experiencing sharp, throbbing tooth pain, facial swelling, or sensitivity when chewing, you may have a dental abscess—a serious condition that requires emergency dental care. At our Edinburgh emergency dental clinic, we’re open 7 days a week to provide same-day treatment for painful and potentially dangerous dental infections.
What Is Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth. It occurs when food, plaque, and bacteria become trapped between the gum and the crown of the tooth—typically in the lower back of the mouth where wisdom teeth often struggle to come through fully.
The flap of gum tissue (called an operculum) that partially covers the tooth creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to inflammation, swelling, and infection.
What Are the Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth (Pericoronitis)?
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but common signs of pericoronitis include:
Swelling and redness around the back of the jaw
Pain when biting or chewing
Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
Pus discharge near the infected area
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever or general discomfort in more serious cases
If left untreated, the infection can spread to nearby tissues and may even lead to an abscess—a more serious condition that requires urgent care.
Emergency Treatment for Infected Wisdom Teeth
Our Edinburgh emergency dentist team is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating infected wisdom teeth. Whether you’re in pain during the week or on the weekend, our clinic is open every day to help.
Here’s how we manage and treat infected wisdom teeth and pericoronitis:
1. Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
We begin by carefully examining your mouth and symptoms. A digital X-ray may be taken to check the position of the wisdom tooth and see if there’s an abscess or deep impaction. Once diagnosed, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan.
2. Cleaning and Irrigation of the Infected Area
To immediately reduce inflammation and bacterial buildup, we perform a thorough cleaning under the gum flap. This process involves gently flushing out food particles, debris, and bacteria from the infected site. In some cases, we may use a sterile saline solution or antiseptic rinse.
3. Antibiotics and Pain Relief
If the infection has spread or symptoms are moderate to severe, we may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics to control the infection. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories may also be recommended to help manage discomfort and swelling.
4. Operculectomy (Removal of Gum Flap)
In recurrent cases of pericoronitis, your dentist may recommend an operculectomy—a minor surgical procedure to remove the gum flap that traps food and bacteria. This helps prevent future infections and allows better cleaning of the area.
5. Wisdom Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)
If the wisdom tooth is severely impacted or causing frequent infections, extraction may be the best long-term solution. We offer same-day or scheduled wisdom tooth extractions 7 days a week, depending on the urgency of your case.
Our experienced team can carry out both simple and surgical extractions under local anesthetic, with sedation available for nervous patients.
Will Pericoronitis Come Back?
Pericoronitis can return if the wisdom tooth is not fully removed or if oral hygiene remains poor. However, proper treatment and aftercare significantly reduce the chances of recurrence. The most effective long-term solution for recurrent infections is usually wisdom tooth extraction.
To prevent infection from returning, we recommend:
Regular dental check-ups
Careful brushing and flossing, especially around wisdom teeth
Using antiseptic mouth rinses when advised
Professional cleanings as needed
Why Choose Us for Emergency Wisdom Tooth Care in Edinburgh?
Open 7 Days a Week – Including Weekends and Evenings
Same-Day Appointments Available for Wisdom Tooth Infections
Experienced in Managing Pericoronitis and Oral Infections
On-Site X-rays, Diagnosis, and Extraction Services
Gentle, Friendly, and Affordable Care
Book Emergency Treatment for Infected Wisdom Teeth Today
If you’re suffering from swelling, jaw pain, or signs of infection, don’t delay. Our Edinburgh emergency dental clinic is open 7 days a week to provide immediate care for infected wisdom teeth and pericoronitis.
Call us now: 0131 629 1158
Message us on WhatsApp for quick booking
Book Same Day Appointment
Don’t wait! If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, Our clinic is open 7 days a week. You can book an emergency appointment by calling us 01316291158 or by booking an appointment online
Emergency Consultation Fee: £95.00 X-rays and treatment costs are not included
