Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, often appearing in the late teens or early twenties. For some people, they erupt without any complications. For others, they can cause persistent discomfort or even severe pain. Understanding the common causes of wisdom tooth pain can help you know when it’s time to seek professional care—and how to find relief in the meantime.
Impaction
One of the most frequent causes of wisdom tooth pain is impaction. This occurs when a tooth doesn’t have enough room to fully emerge. It may grow sideways, stay trapped beneath the gumline, or press against neighboring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, tenderness, and discomfort that comes and goes. In more serious cases, they may contribute to infections or cyst formation.
Eruption
Even when wisdom teeth erupt normally, the process can still be uncomfortable. As the tooth pushes through the gums, you may experience soreness, sensitivity, or mild inflammation in the area. This type of discomfort is often temporary, but persistent irritation may indicate that your tooth is only partially erupted or that food and bacteria are getting trapped around it.
Infection
When a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gums, it creates a small flap of gum tissue called an operculum. This area can easily trap food particles and bacteria, leading to a painful infection known as pericoronitis. Symptoms may include swelling, bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, and difficulty opening your jaw. Without treatment, the infection can spread and become more serious.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Because wisdom teeth are located so far back in the mouth, they can be difficult to clean properly. This increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Decay can cause sharp or throbbing tooth pain, while inflamed gums can feel tender and may bleed. If a wisdom tooth becomes severely decayed or the surrounding gum tissue is compromised, extraction is often the recommended solution.
Pressure on Nearby Teeth
As wisdom teeth shift or attempt to erupt, they may push against adjacent molars. This pressure can cause generalized jaw pain, headaches, or a feeling of tightness in the back of your mouth. Over time, it may even affect your bite or contribute to crowding.
Sinus Issues
In some cases, upper wisdom teeth can cause pressure in the sinus cavities located just above them. When roots develop close to these areas, they may contribute to sinus pain, congestion, or headaches. This is less common but still a known cause of discomfort.
Finding Relief
Depending on the cause of your discomfort, there are several ways to ease wisdom tooth pain at home. Warm saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and cold compresses can reduce inflammation and soreness. However, these remedies only offer temporary relief. If pain persists, a dental exam is essential to determine whether extraction or another treatment is needed.
Timely care can prevent complications and help you feel comfortable again.
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery, patients receive expert care for wisdom tooth removal and other oral surgery needs. Our dynamic team of doctors provide advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to ensure safe, effective solutions for wisdom tooth pain.
Call us at (571) 998-0044 or request an appointment online.