If you’re feeling a dull ache or sharp pain toward the back of your mouth, your wisdom teeth may be the culprit. These third molars typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties, and for many people, the process comes with real discomfort. But what’s actually causing your pain? Keep reading to learn the various causes of your pain and see when wisdom tooth extraction might be necessary.
Not Enough Room to Come In
The most common cause of wisdom tooth pain is simply a lack of space. In ancient times, human jaws were larger to accommodate wisdom teeth, but as man evolved bigger brains and better cooking methods, their jawbones shrank.
Today, most people don’t have room for wisdom teeth in their mouth, so they often become impacted—stuck beneath your gum or jawbone. Impaction puts pressure on surrounding teeth, nerves, and tissues, causing persistent and sometimes excruciating pain.
Partial Eruption and Irritation
Sometimes a wisdom tooth breaks through the gum only partially, leaving a flap of tissue covering part of the tooth. Over time, food and bacteria can easily become trapped underneath this flap, leading to inflammation and infection.
This condition, pericoronitis, is one of the more painful complications associated with wisdom teeth. Symptoms often include swelling, tenderness, and even difficulty opening your mouth.
Infection
When a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted, it becomes very difficult to clean properly. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of infection. Along with pain, infections often bring swelling, fever, and a lingering bad taste or odor in your mouth. Worst of all, if left untreated, it can spread further, causing an abscess that can lead to serious illness.
Pressure on Neighboring Teeth
Even when a wisdom tooth doesn’t become infected, it can still push against the molar next to it as it tries to emerge. This pressure can cause pain, shift nearby teeth out of alignment, and in some cases even damage the adjacent tooth.
Wisdom tooth pain rarely resolves on its own and often gets worse with time. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, it’s worth having your dentist take a look. A quick evaluation and treatment can fix what’s causing your pain and help you find relief.
About the Practice
At Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall, Dr. Spillman and Dr. Nguyen perform wisdom tooth extractions right in-office with gentle techniques. Our team also offers sedation options that can help anxious patients get the care they need without fear. If wisdom tooth pain has been bothering you, call (972) 945-0887 to schedule a consultation or visit our website to learn more.