The reason wisdom teeth hurt is almost always because they don't have enough room to come in properly. The pain is usually a symptom of one of three common complications caused by this lack of space. At Smiles Art Dentistry in Houston,Tx, we help local families understand their oral health options from routine preventive care to thorough examinations and appropriate treatment options, including wisdom tooth extractions.
The 3 Main Reasons Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain
The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last ones to erupt (come through the gums), usually between the ages of 17 and 25. By that time, your jawbone is often done growing, leaving little to no space for them.
1. Impaction (The Tooth is Stuck)
This is the most common reason for pain. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is blocked and cannot fully emerge.
What is happening: The tooth gets stuck under the gum line or pushes into the bone or the neighboring molar.
Why it hurts: The persistent pressure against the root of the tooth next to it, the jawbone, or the nerve tissue causes a deep, throbbing ache. The tooth might be growing at a crooked angle (horizontally, diagonally, or angled backward) as it tries to force its way out.
2. Infection (Pericoronitis)
If the tooth is only partially erupted (only part of it has broken through the gum), it creates a dangerous environment.
What is happening: A flap of gum tissue (called an operculum) covers part of the tooth. Food particles and bacteria get trapped underneath this flap, creating an ideal spot for an infection called pericoronitis.
Why it hurts: This infection causes the surrounding gum tissue to become severely red, swollen, and tender. You might experience a bad taste, bad breath, and pain that makes it difficult to chew or fully open your mouth.
3. Tooth Decay and Damage
Because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they are notoriously difficult to clean properly, even when they erupt straight.
What is happening: Plaque and bacteria build up easily, leading to decay (cavities) on the wisdom tooth itself, or worse, on the healthy molar right next to it.
Why it hurts: Once decay progresses, it can cause sensitivity, sharp pain, and eventually, a full-blown tooth abscess.
Common Symptoms of Problematic Wisdom Teeth
If your pain is caused by a problem, you might notice one or more of these signs:
- Persistent throbbing or aching pain in the back of your jaw.
- Swelling in the gums or on the side of your face.
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully (trismus).
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Headaches or earaches (often referred pain from the jaw).
What You Should Do If Your Wisdom Tooth Hurts
If you are experiencing pain, the best course of action is to see a dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
Diagnosis: Your dentist will take X-rays to see the exact position of the tooth (even if it's completely under the gum) and determine the cause of the pain.
Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve antibiotics to clear an infection, deep cleaning of the gum area, or, most commonly, extraction (removal) to prevent future pain and damage to your other teeth.
Consult your dentist in Tanglewood for further information and treatment plans. Give your smile some attention, and schedule your dental appointment by calling (713) 266-2265!