Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Go to an emergency department or call local emergency services if swelling affects your breathing or makes it difficult to swallow saliva.
Rapidly spreading swelling of the mouth, face, or neck also needs emergency care.
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
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent dental or medical advice the same day if you have:
Increasing facial or jaw swelling
Fever or a general feeling of illness
Pus or a persistent foul taste
Worsening difficulty opening your mouth
Pain or swelling that is getting worse after an extraction
Bleeding after removal that does not stop with firm pressure as instructed
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine dental appointment if you have recurring discomfort around a wisdom tooth, food repeatedly catches there, or the gum often becomes sore.
You should also arrange an assessment for a broken tooth, suspected decay, or mild symptoms that do not settle.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Wisdom tooth problems. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.