Unbearable Wisdom Tooth Pain – What to do?

If you are suffering from jaw discomfort, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth hurt. Sometimes the pain is so unbearable that we don’t know what to do. In addition, when these teeth erupt in the back of the mouth, they can cause swelling and sensitivity. If these describe your symptoms, it may be best to have your wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon.

Dr. Sonny Naderi and his team at Best Dental are passionate about oral surgery. Our team of highly skilled experts provides pain-free wisdom teeth extractions at an affordable cost. In addition, our sedation options (including sleep dentistry) allow our patients to relax through the entire procedure.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are the last teeth to form in the back of your mouth. They develop in your jawbone and eventually grow, breaking through your gums. Some people may never develop wisdom teeth their entire life.

These third molars usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 but, in some cases, can erupt later in life. They serve no proper function, so wisdom tooth extraction is a healthy and standard procedure. However, in some cases, they remain embedded in your jawbone and are known as ‘impacted wisdom teeth.’

If your wisdom tooth has enough space, and if it grows straight, you might not even feel pain. However, if your wisdom teeth erupt and there isn’t enough room for them in your mouth, they typically cause intense pain, and inflammation. This condition is called Pericoronitis and is a significant cause of discomfort for those with wisdom teeth pain.

Wisdom tooth pain

If you’re experiencing mouth pain and can’t quite figure out why, your wisdom teeth might be coming in. Here are some signs that your wisdom teeth are causing you problems.

• Irritated gums
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Red gums
• Jaw swelling
• Bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Pus formation

When your wisdom teeth hurt, it’s best to have them extracted. The following are reasons you’re experiencing pain when it comes to your wisdom teeth:

Impaction

Your wisdom teeth may partially erupt, where only the top of the tooth breaks through your gum. This is called partial impaction. However, some wisdom teeth never break through the gums, causing full impaction. This can be extremely painful, especially when eating or talking.

Damage to other teeth

Wisdom teeth may cause your mouth to become crowded, pushing your other molars together and causing misalignment. If the third molars grow out of your gums, they may grow in crooked. Not only does this cause misalignment of all your other teeth, but it can also increase your risk of infection in that area.

Gum disease

If your wisdom teeth grow crooked, pushing against your other teeth, you might be at risk for pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding your erupted wisdom tooth. This can lead to gum disease, mouth pain, lockjaw, pus, bad breath, and swallowing pain.

What to do when your wisdom teeth hurt

After calling Best Dental to make an appointment, here are some things you can do in the meantime to minimize wisdom tooth discomfort at home.

Ice pack or heat pack

You can apply either a heating pad or a towel-wrapped ice pack to your jaw to reduce inflammation and pain. The heat on your jaw increases blood flow, relieving painful tension. Apply for 10 minutes at a time, alternating the heat and cold. Always finish with an ice pack.

Ibuprofen

Taking Ibuprofen (600mg) can relieve discomfort and provide relief for any headaches your wisdom teeth might be causing. If your doctor allows you to take Ibuprofen for pain, follow the recommended dosage on the label. Remember not to take Ibuprofen if you are pregnant (use Tylenol).

Saltwater rinses

Wisdom teeth eruptions create an excellent environment for the growth of bacteria. One of the most effective ways to reduce bacteria in your mouth is a simple saltwater rinse. Saltwater kills harmful bacteria, allowing for a calming of the inflamed tissue surrounding your wisdom teeth.

Do you think your wisdom teeth are causing you pain? Contact our Houston Dental office today for a free evaluation. We hope to see you soon!