Wisdom tooth pain is something many people experience as they transition into adulthood. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to develop, typically surfacing during early adulthood. However, their arrival is not always smooth. If there isn’t enough room in the mouth, wisdom teeth can develop at the wrong angle, causing pain, discomfort, and complications. Understanding what triggers this pain and how to manage it effectively is key to maintaining good oral health.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt So Much?
Wisdom teeth frequently contribute to dental issues due to their growth patterns and placement. As human jaws have gradually become smaller over time, there is often insufficient space for these last molars to emerge properly. Consequently, they may erupt at an unusual angle, become impacted, or press against adjacent teeth, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When there isn’t sufficient space for wisdom teeth to fully emerge, they can become impacted, causing throbbing pain, gum swelling, and potential infections.
- Wisdom Tooth Pushing Against Other Teeth: If a wisdom tooth pushes against other adult teeth, it can cause jaw pain, discomfort, and misalignment, affecting your bite.
- Partially Erupting Wisdom Teeth: Sometimes, wisdom teeth erupt only partially, leaving gum tissue exposed. This creates a space where bacteria and food debris collect, increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and infection.
- Tooth Infection and Decay: Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be more challenging to clean properly. This increases the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and painful infections affecting the wisdom teeth.
- Wisdom Teeth Growing at the Wrong Angle: If wisdom teeth develop at an odd angle, they may put pressure on the surrounding structures, accurately, leading to persistent pain and inflamed gum tissue.
- Jaw Pain and Sinus Issues: When wisdom teeth grow in the upper jaw, they can put pressure on the sinus cavity, causing headaches, sore jaw, and facial discomfort.
- Gum Inflammation and Infection: The eruption of wisdom teeth can lead to inflamed gums, which may result in painful areas, bleeding, and tenderness. If untreated, it can contribute to gum disease.
- Difficulty Chewing Food – Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can make chewing food painful and uncomfortable, leading to further irritation in the mouth.
If you’re experiencing severe pain or persistent discomfort, a thorough examination by a dentist is recommended to assess whether wisdom teeth removal is needed.
Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain: Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Trouble
If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, you may experience a range of symptoms indicating infection, misalignment, or impaction. Some of the most common signs include:
- Throbbing Pain at the Back of the Mouth: Wisdom teeth typically erupt at the back of the mouth, and pain in this area may signal impaction or infection.
- Swollen Gums or Inflamed Gum Tissue: The gum area around an impacted wisdom tooth can become red, swollen, and tender, making it painful to eat or brush.
- Pain When Chewing Food: If your wisdom teeth push against other teeth, it can make chewing food difficult and uncomfortable.
- Sore Jaw and Stiffness: An impacted wisdom tooth may lead to jaw pain and discomfort, potentially restricting your ability to open your mouth completely.
- Persistent Pain That Worsens Over Time: A painful wisdom tooth that is not addressed can lead to severe pain, making daily activities like eating or talking unbearable.
- Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste: Wisdom teeth cause food and bacteria to get trapped in hard-to-clean areas, leading to bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Difficulty Opening the Mouth: A swollen jaw or inflamed gums around the wisdom teeth may make it difficult to open your mouth completely.
- Pain Radiating to the Ear or Sinus Issues: If your wisdom teeth develop in the upper jaw, they can affect the sinus cavity, leading to sinus pressure, headaches, or ear pain.
- Gum Bleeding or Pus Formation: An infection around the wisdom tooth may lead to pus drainage, bleeding gums, and increased swelling in the area.
- Throbbing or Shooting Pain That Comes and Goes: Some people experience temporary growing pains as wisdom teeth erupt, while others have lingering dental pain that worsens over time.
If you experience severe pain, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing food, consult a dentist for a thorough examination and possible wisdom teeth removal to prevent further complications.
How to Relieve Dental Pain from Wisdom Teeth
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, finding relief is crucial while you wait for a dental examination or potential wisdom teeth removal. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, both home remedies and professional treatments can help relieve dental pain and reduce discomfort.
Home Remedies for Temporary Pain Relief
- Saltwater Rinse: Swishing warm salt water in your mouth can help eliminate bacteria, soothe inflammation, and temporarily ease discomfort in the affected area.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol have anti-inflammatory properties that help minimise swelling and throbbing pain. Always follow dosage instructions.
- Cold Compress: Placing an ice pack to the jaw area can help reduce swelling, numb severe pain, and relieve throbbing discomfort. Use for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Clove Oil for Natural Pain Relief: Clove oil contains natural disinfectant properties and acts as a numbing agent. Add a small amount onto a cotton ball and apply it to the painful wisdom tooth.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse helps clean bacteria around an impacted wisdom tooth, reducing the risk of infection and easing dental pain.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Gently brushing and flossing around the affected area helps prevent food debris and bacteria buildup, lowering the risk of worsening wisdom tooth pain.
- Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: If chewing food increases discomfort, try eating softer foods and avoid putting pressure on the painful wisdom tooth.
When to Consider Wisdom Teeth Removal
While some people experience minimal pain, others may need their wisdom teeth removed to prevent further complications. A thorough examination by a dentist, including a mouth X-ray, can determine if your wisdom tooth may need extraction.
Signs You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Impacted wisdom teeth, causing frequent infections.
- Persistent pain despite using pain relievers.
- Wisdom teeth develop at the wrong position, affecting other adult teeth.
- Difficulty chewing food due to misalignment.
- Swelling, inflamed gums, or gum disease that won’t heal.
If removal is necessary, your dental team will guide you through the dental surgery process to ensure a smooth and comfortable procedure.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
If wisdom teeth cause ongoing pain, crowding, or infection, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary. The procedure is common and performed by dentists to prevent further complications. Here’s what to expect during the wisdom teeth removal process.
1. Initial Consultation & Mouth X-Ray
Before scheduling the extraction, your dental team will perform a thorough examination to assess the position of your wisdom teeth. A mouth X-ray helps determine if your wisdom teeth develop at a wrong angle, are impacted, or are causing damage to surrounding teeth.
2. Anaesthesia Administration
To ensure a comfortable procedure, your dentist will administer anaesthesia based on your case:
- Local Anaesthesia – Numb the area around the tooth while you remain awake.
- Sedation Anaesthesia – Helps you stay relaxed and less aware during the procedure.
3. Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The removal procedure depends on whether your wisdom tooth may be fully erupted or impacted:
- Simple Extraction: If the wisdom tooth pushes through the gum completely, it can be removed easily with forceps.
- Surgical Extraction: When a wisdom tooth is impacted, a small incision is made in the gum to access the tooth. In some cases, the tooth is carefully broken into smaller sections to facilitate easier removal.
4. Stitches and Gauze Placement
If necessary, dissolvable stitches may be used to close the gum. A gauze pad is placed over the painful area to help control bleeding and aid in clot formation.
Post-Surgery Care for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery and pain relief following wisdom teeth removal.
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Some swollen gums and mild bleeding are normal.
- You may experience jaw pain, throbbing pain, or sore jaw for a few days.
- Follow the dentist’s instructions to relieve pain and prevent complications.
Tips for a Speedy Recovery
- Use a Cold Compress: Helps reduce swelling and numb severe pain.
- Take Pain Relievers: Your dentist may prescribe medication to manage dental pain.
- Follow a Soft Diet: Avoid chewing food on the affected side. Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soup, and mashed potatoes.
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing with warm, salty water keeps the area clean and prevents infection.
- Avoid Straws and Smoking: This prevents dry sockets, a painful complication where the blood clot dislodges.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While minimal pain and swelling are expected, contact your dental team if you experience:
- Severe pain that worsens after a few days.
- Signs of infection, including fever, pus, or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Continuous bleeding that doesn’t subside.
Wisdom Tooth Pain and Dental Anxiety
Many people feel anxious about dental surgery, but addressing wisdom tooth pain early can prevent further issues. If dental anxiety is a concern, discuss sedation options with your dentist to make the procedure more comfortable.
Can Wisdom Teeth Affect Your Overall Health?
Wisdom teeth issues can impact more than just oral health. If impacted wisdom teeth become infected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to systemic infections. Severe infections caused by tooth decay or gum disease may also increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections.
Additionally, gum disease caused by wisdom teeth developing in tight spaces can weaken overall gum health, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This chronic inflammation can have effects on the immune system, increasing the likelihood of other health issues. Keeping an eye on gum disease and addressing persistent pain early can prevent these risks.
Can Wisdom Teeth Shift Other Teeth?
Yes, wisdom teeth can cause misalignment by pushing against other adult teeth, especially if there isn’t enough room in the back of the mouth. As wisdom teeth erupt, they may come in at an odd angle, applying pressure to surrounding structures, accurately. Over time, this can lead to crowding, shifting, and discomfort.
For individuals who have undergone orthodontic treatment, the presence of new wisdom teeth can potentially undo the alignment achieved by braces or clear aligners. This is why many dentists recommend a thorough examination of wisdom teeth before starting treatment or shortly after completing it.
In severe cases, the force from wisdom tooth pushes can lead to changes in your bite, making chewing food uncomfortable. If you notice any shifting or misalignment in your teeth, consult your dental team for an evaluation to determine whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Pain and Removal
- How do I know if my wisdom teeth are coming in?
You may feel pressure or discomfort at the back of the mouth, along with swelling, tenderness, or difficulty chewing.
- Can wisdom teeth cause ear pain or headaches?
Yes, impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on surrounding nerves, leading to jaw pain, earaches, and headaches.
- Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No, if wisdom teeth grow properly and do not cause pain or crowding, they may not need removal.
- What happens if I don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth?
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to infections, cysts, or damage to surrounding teeth over time.
- How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Most people recover in about a week, but complete healing of the gums and jawbone may take several weeks.
- Can wisdom teeth cause headaches or ear pain?
Yes, pressure from wisdom teeth pushing against nerves or the sinus cavity can cause headaches and referred ear pain.
- Can wisdom teeth affect speech or the way I bite?
If wisdom teeth erupt improperly, they can cause misalignment, affecting your bite, speech, and overall oral function.
- Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
The procedure itself is tolerable due to anaesthesia, but mild discomfort, swelling, and jaw pain may occur during recovery.
- How do I know if my wisdom tooth pain is serious?
Prolonged or severe pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, or signs of infection require immediate dental attention.
- Can wisdom teeth grow back after removal?
No, once wisdom teeth are removed, they do not grow back, but some people may have extra or “supernumerary” teeth.
Final Thoughts: When to See a Dentist
If your wisdom tooth pain persists, worsens, or affects your gum health, it’s essential to seek professional help. Delaying wisdom teeth removal can lead to tooth decay, infections, and damage to other teeth. A dentist can assess your condition and provide a solution tailored to your needs.
Wisdom teeth are a natural part of early adulthood, but they don’t always grow smoothly. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing food, don’t wait—schedule a thorough examination with Bright Dental Group today at (02) 4708 9691 to protect your oral health for years to come.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- GoodRx. (n.d.). Popular over-the-counter pain relievers. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pain/popular-over-the-counter-pain-relievers
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dry socket. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17731-dry-socket
- Healthline. (n.d.). Dental anesthesia. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Wisdom tooth extraction. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
- Medical News Today. (n.d.). What to know about clove oil. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321256
Recent Comments