Stopping Jaw Pain From Wisdom Tooth
Jaw pain from wisdom tooth is common and can cause a lot of discomfort around the mouth. Wisdom teeth start to initially form in the jaw around ages 9-12. Most patients won’t feel any symptoms of wisdom tooth jaw pain until they’re starting to erupt around ages 17-21.
In this article, we will explain why jaw pain from wisdom tooth occurs and how to find fast relief.
Table of Contents
Your Jaw Pain from Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth usually develop in the upper jaw, then the lower. Wisdom teeth start to develop in males earlier than in females. Jaw pain from wisdom tooth can be common because of the position of these four teeth. Around 20-25% of people are born with 1 to 3 wisdom teeth and 35% are born without any.
Why You Have Jaw Pain from Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth start as a tooth bud, forming from the crown down to the roots. Jaw pain from wisdom tooth is caused by the teething discomfort of teeth erupting through the gums and bone. The position of the wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth can cause more pain radiating to the jaw.
How to Soothe Wisdom Tooth Jaw Pain
Some patients experience wisdom tooth jaw pain while the tooth is developing. The best time for extractions is when the crown of the tooth is fully formed but the roots are still developing.
To ease jaw pain from wisdom tooth to find fast relief:
- Heat: Applying heat can help relax your muscles and can help relieve aches and stiffness. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Cold compresses: The cool temperature can help relieve pain and reduce any present swelling in the muscles or tissue.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain temporarily until you can see your dental or medical professional.
- Minimize Use: Try not to move your jaw. Avoid talking, opening your mouth wide, and stick with a softer food diet.
The best solution for wisdom tooth jaw pain is to see an oral surgeon for a consult to remove them. For more information, check out our Understanding Tooth Jaw Pain article.
Visiting the Dentist for Wisdom Tooth Jaw Pain
The wisdom tooth pain in jaw is a good time to start bringing up your concern to your dental clinicians. During routine cleanings and exams, your dental hygienist and dentist will evaluate when you’re ready to be referred to an oral surgeon. Check out our Essential Guide to Wisdom Teeth Growing In to learn more.
When Are You Ready for Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Your dentist professionals will use several indicators to determine if and when you’re ready to see an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal.
- Radiographs: Panoramic x-rays are taken around every 3 years to scan for unerupted teeth and pathology. This x-ray will show the entire mouth’s bone structure to evaluate your wisdom tooth jaw pain.
- Tooth Development: Teeth need to be developed to a certain extent in order to be removed. It is finding the right balance of full crown formation and partial root development.
- Intra-Oral Exams: Your dental clinicians will examine your mouth for signs of eruption. Partially erupted wisdom teeth will show if you have enough room in the mouth for complete eruption.
- Oral Hygiene Status: The plaque and bacteria control plays a role in the decision of wisdom teeth removal. Being far in the back, wisdom teeth are hard to clean and have a higher cavities risk. Some dentists will proactively recommend surgery to prevent problems in the future.
Jaw Pain From Wisdom Tooth Removal
Around 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year in the United States. Jaw pain from wisdom tooth removal is expected and unique to every patient. The mouth will go through the wisdom teeth healing stages after surgery until it is fully healed.
After a tooth extraction, there will be swelling and pain around the mouth and jaw. The jaw pain from wisdom tooth removal will be present due to the radiating pressure and inflammation.
To help prepare you for wisdom teeth surgery, check out our article How to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Removal.
Healing Your Jaw Pain From Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth jaw pain after surgery is different for everyone. The mouth will go through the wisdom teeth healing stages until it’s healthy again. Common factors that influence wisdom tooth jaw pain after surgery are:
- The number of wisdom teeth that need to be surgically removed
- The position of the wisdom teeth – are they facing upward or tilted toward the side?
- If the wisdom teeth have fully erupted, partially erupted, or stayed impacted
- Position of the nerves around the impacted wisdom teeth
- If there’s any present infection or inflammation in the gums around the wisdom tooth
To learn more, check out our The Wisdom Teeth Healing Stages article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does jaw pain last wisdom teeth?
Most wisdom tooth jaw pain will come and go as the tooth attempts to push through the bone. Most pain cycles last around 7-10 days and then will calm down.
When should I go to dentist for wisdom tooth pain?
It is important to visit your dentist at least every 6 months to monitor wisdom tooth movement. If the pain is more frequent and starts to interfere with your daily life, then contact your dentist to set up a consultation.
What does wisdom teeth pain feel like?
The main symptom of wisdom teeth pain is radiating discomfort from your mouth to your jaw that lingers. Inflammation in the mouth can cause pressure and pain around the gums behind your second molar. Pain and stiffness when moving the jaw are also common. Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
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