Can wisdom teeth make your jaw hurt? Wisdom teeth can bring many troubles, affecting approximately 85% of people to the extent that they require their removal. Over time, human jaws have evolved, gradually shrinking in size. This reduction in jaw size often results in insufficient space for all 32 teeth, including the four wisdom teeth. Consequently, when wisdom teeth lack the room to grow properly, they exert pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to pain and discomfort.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: A Growing Concern
Wisdom teeth that cannot fully emerge to the surface, partially appear, or remain hidden beneath the gums are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. These impacted teeth pose significant risks to overall oral health and can result in a range of problems.
When a wisdom tooth pushes out at an incorrect angle, it directly influences the adjacent teeth, displacing them and potentially causing overcrowding. Over time, this overcrowding can have a cascading effect on your entire jawline, leading to various complications. Impacted wisdom teeth can also place the tooth next to them, typically the second molar, at a higher risk of infections and decay.
In the case of impacted wisdom teeth, it is crucial to consult your dentist at the first sign of toothache. Neglecting the issue can lead to more than one tooth requiring extraction, as decay may necessitate the removal of not only the affected wisdom tooth and the adjacent tooth.
Can Wisdom Teeth Make Your Jaw Hurt?
Wisdom teeth can induce a range of symptoms, signaling their presence and potential impacts:
- Bleeding or Swollen Gums and Soreness: The emergence of wisdom teeth can cause them to push against neighboring teeth, leading to jaw discomfort. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, difficulty opening the jaw, and even breathing issues. Swollen and red gums that are painful to the touch and occasional bleeding in the area are also common signs
- Sinus Pains: Wisdom teeth on the upper jaw can affect the sinuses due to their roots occasionally growing against the sinus cavity. This pressure can result in pain, headaches, and sinus congestion
- Chewing Difficulty: Emerging wisdom teeth may make chewing food troublesome. This could be temporary growing pains or a sign of an impacted tooth causing alignment issues that affect jaw movement
Self-Treatment for Wisdom Tooth Pain
When experiencing pain due to emerging wisdom teeth, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist for a proper evaluation. Meanwhile, some at-home remedies can help alleviate discomfort:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Ibuprofen, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can effectively reduce pain and swelling in the jaw. Paracetamol and aspirin are also suitable for pain relief. However, always consult a healthcare professional to ensure these medications are safe for you and follow the recommended dosages
- Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with a warm saltwater solution can promote gum health and eliminate bacteria in the affected area
- Apply an Ice Pack: To alleviate soreness and swelling in the jaw, applying an ice pack to the cheek can relieve inflammation. Alternatively, swishing ice water in your mouth can numb the area and alleviate pain
It is important to avoid applying heat to your face when experiencing wisdom tooth pain, as heat can worsen any existing infection and lead to increased swelling and discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedures
Upon your initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth. This examination will provide insight into whether wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. Often, an OPG (Orthopantomogram), a full-mouth x-ray, is required to assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and surrounding structures accurately.
Depending on your specific case, your dentist may offer various treatment options, including:
- In-Chair Wisdom Teeth Extraction: An in-chair procedure where the wisdom teeth are extracted under local anesthesia
- Specialist In-Chair Wisdom Teeth Removal: If your case is more complex, a specialist may be required to perform the extraction
- In-Chair Sedation: Sedation administered by a dentist to ensure a comfortable and painless procedure
- General Anesthetic Sedation: A procedure performed under general anesthesia for more complex cases or for patients who prefer to be completely unconscious during the extraction
Final Words: Can Wisdom Teeth Make Your Jaw Hurt?
In conclusion, wisdom teeth can indeed cause jaw pain and discomfort. It is essential to consult with your dentist if you experience any symptoms related to wisdom teeth issues, as early intervention can prevent further complications. By understanding the impacts of wisdom teeth and exploring potential treatment options, you can ensure your oral health remains in the best possible condition.
