The Pain of Wisdom Teeth


Wisdom teeth can be the source of pain located in the back of the mouth. As growth occurs over the span of several years, the development of the wisdom teeth can be painful. The gradual changes and development of the wisdom teeth can cause sudden and severe pain.

Generally by the late teens, the jawbone has grown to its approximate adult size. For most people, this size is too small to hold the developing wisdom teeth. An interesting note is that our jaws are smaller than those of our earliest ancestors. The reason is that the early humans needed larger jaws and extra teeth in order to chew their diet.

If there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth, they may become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth will definitely cause pain in the jawbone as time goes on. Impacted teeth may also be partially trapped in the jawbone and gums causing wisdom teeth pain.

Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in a number of directions causing a great deal of pressure and pain in the jawbone. Wisdom teeth can grow away from other teeth, toward other teeth, or even in a vertical or horizontal direction. If this type of growth occurs, the best decision is to have the wisdom teeth removed early to lessen the pain process.

Fortunately not everyone experiences wisdom teeth pain or complications. For many, their jaws are large enough to hold the added teeth and the wisdom teeth grow in correctly.

Other complications caused by wisdom teeth growing in can be gum disease, crowding, and cysts. For most people experiencing wisdom tooth pain, there will be swelling and discomfort.

See a dental professional for a thorough examination of your wisdom teeth and gums if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. The dentist will be able to remove the wisdom teeth and thereby remove the wisdom teeth pain. Surgery to remove the wisdom teeth can be done either in the dentists office or at an oral surgeons office.

The healing process will begin immediately after the removal of the painful wisdom teeth. The mouth will heal faster if you follow your doctors instructions carefully and completely. It is important to call your doctor if you begin to experience excessive bleeding, swelling, severe pain, fever, or any reaction to your medications.

Normally, your doctor will require a follow up exam to make sure the socket is healing correctly.

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