The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. While some individuals experience no issues, these teeth frequently cause problems, with jaw pain being a common concern.
How Wisdom Teeth Cause Jaw Pain
One primary reason wisdom teeth cause jaw pain is a lack of sufficient space in the mouth for them to emerge. Modern human jaws are often too small to accommodate these additional molars, leading to impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth becomes stuck beneath the gum surface or grows at an odd angle, pushing against the jawbone or adjacent teeth. This pressure can result in pain and stiffness in the jaw.
Another common issue is partial eruption, where a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gums. This creates a flap of gum tissue over the tooth. Food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped beneath this flap, leading to inflammation and infection called pericoronitis. Pericoronitis causes pain, swelling, and tenderness that can radiate to the jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth fully.
Wisdom teeth can also contribute to jaw pain by causing crowding or misalignment of other teeth. When these molars push against existing teeth, they can shift the alignment of the dental arch. This pressure and resulting misalignment can lead to discomfort in the jaw and affect how teeth come together when biting.
In less common instances, impacted wisdom teeth can be associated with the formation of cysts or tumors. Wisdom teeth develop within sacs in the jawbone, which can sometimes fill with fluid, forming cysts that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. While often benign, these cysts can grow large enough to cause pain and even weaken the jawbone, requiring removal.
Other Signs of Wisdom Tooth Problems
Beyond jaw pain, several other indicators can signal problems with wisdom teeth. Swelling and tenderness around the jaw or gums are common symptoms. This swelling can sometimes extend to the face, making the affected area visibly puffy.
Difficulty opening the mouth fully is another common sign. This limitation in jaw movement can interfere with daily activities like eating and speaking. Individuals may also experience pain when chewing or biting, alongside an unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath, often due to infection. Headaches or earaches can also occur as referred pain originating from the problematic wisdom tooth.
When to See a Dentist
Consult a dentist if you experience persistent or worsening jaw pain, especially if it originates from the back of your mouth. Any difficulty eating or speaking comfortably requires professional attention.
Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or facial swelling, require immediate dental evaluation. If jaw movement becomes limited or you suspect any issues with your wisdom teeth, seek prompt advice to prevent more serious complications. Dentists can monitor wisdom teeth development and identify potential problems early.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A dentist will diagnose wisdom tooth issues through a comprehensive dental examination. This involves a visual inspection of the gums and teeth, along with a discussion of your symptoms and overall health history. Dental X-rays, particularly panoramic X-rays, provide a detailed view of the wisdom teeth, their position, root development, and any potential damage to surrounding bone or teeth.
Treatment approaches vary based on the specific problem. For wisdom teeth not causing symptoms, a dentist might recommend observation, monitoring their condition through regular check-ups and X-rays. Temporary pain relief can often be achieved with over-the-counter pain relievers and warm salt water rinses.
If an active infection, such as pericoronitis, is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear it before further treatment. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common recommendation when teeth are impacted, causing recurrent infections, damaging adjacent teeth, or leading to cyst formation. The extraction procedure involves local anesthesia or sedation, with surgical removal for impacted teeth often requiring an incision and bone removal. Following extraction, patients receive instructions for post-operative care, including managing pain, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining oral hygiene to ensure proper healing.