Yes, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain that is felt in the ear. An impacted wisdom tooth does not fully erupt or break through the gum line, often because there is not enough space in the jaw for it to grow properly. Instead of growing straight, the tooth may be angled, causing it to become trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone. This condition can lead to dental problems, and the resulting inflammation or pressure can manifest as discomfort in nearby areas, including the ear.
Why Dental Issues Cause Referred Ear Pain
The anatomical connection between the back molars and the ear is the main reason dental issues result in ear pain. The jaw, teeth, and ear share a complex network of nerve pathways, making it difficult for the brain to pinpoint the exact source of the discomfort. This phenomenon is known as referred pain, where the pain originates in one place but is perceived in a different area of the body.
The primary structure responsible for sensation is the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which supplies sensation to the face, teeth, lower jaw, and the region around the ear. When an impacted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed or infected, the irritation is transmitted along the branches of the trigeminal nerve. The brain interprets the signal from the shared nerve pathway, sometimes mistakenly locating the pain in the ear instead of the actual source in the jaw.
Impacted wisdom teeth are also located very close to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which sits just in front of the ear canal. Inflammation from the tooth can stress the TMJ, and irritation in this joint frequently radiates toward the ear.
Identifying Other Signs of Impaction
Ear pain is often just one indicator that a wisdom tooth is causing a problem; other localized symptoms help confirm the dental origin of the discomfort. A common sign is swelling around the jawline or in the gums near the back of the mouth. The gums may become red, tender, or swollen, sometimes accompanied by bleeding.
An impacted tooth can create pockets where food debris and bacteria become trapped, leading to infection of the surrounding gum tissue, a condition called pericoronitis. This infection often results in persistent bad breath or an unpleasant, metallic taste.
Individuals may also experience difficulty opening their mouth fully (trismus), or pain when chewing or swallowing due to inflammation and muscle tension. The pressure from the misaligned tooth can cause pain that radiates into the jawbone itself, which may feel like a dull ache or a sharper discomfort that comes and goes. If the tooth is pushing against the adjacent molar, it can also cause damage or increase the risk of decay in the neighboring tooth.
Next Steps and Professional Treatment
If ear pain is suspected to be related to an impacted wisdom tooth, consult a dentist or an oral surgeon for a professional evaluation. Diagnosis involves a clinical examination, where the dentist checks the back of the mouth for visible signs of swelling or partial eruption. The most definitive diagnostic tool is a dental X-ray, which allows the practitioner to see the tooth’s position beneath the gums and bone.
The X-ray reveals the angle of the impaction, whether the tooth is growing sideways or is completely submerged, and its proximity to vital structures like nerves or the adjacent molar. Treatment options depend on the severity of the impaction and the symptoms.
For minor inflammation, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear an infection and recommend warm salt water rinses for temporary relief. However, if the impaction is severe, recurrently infected, or causing damage to surrounding structures, surgical removal is the recommended course of action.
This procedure, known as an odontectomy, involves carefully extracting the tooth from the jawbone or gum tissue. If the ear pain is caused by the impacted tooth, its removal will resolve the discomfort along with the other symptoms. Seeking prompt care is important, as severe infection can cause facial swelling that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, requiring immediate attention.