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Home > Dental Encyclopedia > Dental Problems > Teeth Problems > Wisdom Teeth Pain

Wisdom Teeth Pain

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Our modern diet and attention to dental health has made wisdom teeth more of a nuisance than a useful tool.

Having wisdom teeth removed has become almost a right of passage for young adults. That's because by the time wisdom teeth make their appearance -- some time between the ages of 17 and 25 -- there usually isn't enough room left in the mouth for them to fit comfortably. Although many people choose to remove their wisdom teeth, some take a "wait and see" approach avoiding removal unless and until painful symptoms develop.

Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars, which are the teeth in the very back of your mouth. They're the last teeth to erupt and got their name because it is believed that by the time these teeth emerge, you have gained some "wisdom." It is also believed that these teeth once served a purpose they don't today - like helping Stone Age people chew raw animal flesh and bones.

The Impact of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that are healthy and fit into your mouth well are a valuable asset. Unfortunately, this usually isn't the case. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted. Impacted teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped entirely beneath the gum and jaw bone. Each of these possibilities can cause problems, including:

Pressure Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth often have to squeeze in next to teeth that have already settled into place, causing pain and discomfort.

Gum Infection: Bacteria trapped around a wisdom tooth underneath the gum can cause infection. The result is pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness.

Tooth Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be hard to reach, making proper brushing and flossing more difficult. Bacteria and food particles can gather causing tooth decay and gum disease.

Cysts: A fluid filled sac (cyst) can develop around the gum of an impacted wisdom tooth. On rare occasions, a tumor can develop inside the cyst that can fracture the jaw.

To Pull or Not to Pull?

Hopefully, your wisdom teeth aren't already causing you pain. If they are, removal may be inevitable. But if they haven't made their appearance in your mouth yet and there appears to be enough room for the teeth to enter in without crowding out other teeth, the choice might not be so clear. Your dentist may take a "wait and see" approach or recommend removing the wisdom teeth preemptively. Why? As wisdom teeth grow, their roots become longer, the teeth become harder to remove and complications become more likely. Discuss the risks and benefits of removing your wisdom teeth or waiting with your dentist; everyone's situation is unique.

The Oral Surgery Experience

No Room for Pain
  • Most final four molars don't fit
  • Lack of space leads to pressure pain
  • Tooth extraction is often the answer
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Most wisdom teeth extractions are performed by an oral surgeon under local anesthesia, the same injection you would receive to numb a tooth before having a dental cavity filled. If the surgical procedure will be more involved -- as it is when removing impacted wisdom teeth -- your dentist may recommend additional methods of sedation such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation.

As with any oral surgery, wisdom tooth removal does have risks. Two of the most common complications are dry socket and paresthesia. Dry socket occurs if a blood clot doesn't form over the wound or the clot that did form has become dislodged. Dry socket is extremely painful and requires medical attention. Paresthesia is numbness of the tongue, lip or chin, which can occur if nerves are damaged during surgery. This numbness can last for a few days, weeks or months. In some cases, the nerve damage is permanent.

Whether or not your wisdom teeth have emerged, talk to a dentist to see if removal might be right for you. If you don't have a dentist, we can help you find one! Call one of our friendly operators anytime at 1-866-970-9853.  


Click here to watch a video on wisdom teeth

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