Wisdom tooth removal: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, rapidly spreading swelling affecting the airway, collapse, or another severe reaction.

   These are emergency symptoms, not part of routine recovery.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your dentist or surgical team promptly if pain gets worse after initially improving, swelling continues to increase, or you develop fever, pus, a persistent bad taste, or new numbness.

   Also call if bleeding does not settle after firm pressure with gauze as instructed.

   Seek urgent assessment if swelling makes swallowing difficult, you cannot keep fluids down, or bleeding is heavy and continuing.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Questions about stitches, food, mild bruising, or a return-to-work note can usually wait for normal office hours.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Wisdom tooth removal. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.