Should a Wisdom Tooth Be Painful?
Getting your wisdom teeth shouldn’t be more painful than when your other teeth came through, but they are more prone to problems. If you feel pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth, or have other troubling symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist. They will examine your mouth and discuss treatment options, which may involve painkillers, soothing gels or, in some cases, extracting the tooth.
Learn more about common causes of wisdom tooth pain and what’s involved in wisdom tooth removal by reading this guide. If you need to see a dentist about your wisdom teeth, get in touch with Mosman 3D Dental today.
Types of wisdom tooth pain
Wisdom teeth can cause several types of pain, depending on their condition. These can include:
- Jaw pain: Pain felt at the back of the mouth as a wisdom tooth grows and pushes against the existing molars.
- Gum pain: Pain or swelling when a wisdom tooth erupts in the mouth or is impacted inside the gum.
- Headaches: Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw can sometimes press against the sinuses, causing headaches.
Wisdom tooth pain and sensitivity may last from several days to several months. You should see a dentist if the pain is severe or doesn’t go away, as it could be a sign of a problem.
What causes wisdom tooth pain?
Even a healthy wisdom tooth can be painful when it comes through, but other pain can indicate a problem. Wisdom tooth pain can be caused by:
- Eruption: Mild pain as the tooth erupts from the gum, especially when chewing.
- Partial eruption: Pain or swelling if a tooth only erupts part way from the gum.
- Over eruption: A tooth that erupts too far can poke and scratch the inside of the mouth.
- Impaction: Gum or jaw pain from a wisdom tooth that’s stuck inside the gum and may push against the neighbouring tooth.
- Infection: An impacted or decayed tooth can also cause pain and swelling.
- Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are susceptible to decay like other teeth, especially if their position makes them harder to clean.
If pain is severe or you have other problems, such as difficulty opening your mouth, you should contact an emergency dentist.
Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
If a wisdom tooth is impacted or causing other problems, your dentist may recommend having it extracted. This is often the best way to relieve the pain and other symptoms.
Wisdom tooth removal is a routine procedure and not painful, as local anaesthetic is used to numb your mouth around the tooth. You can also discuss other sedation options with your dentist if you have dental anxiety or you’re having a more complex extraction.
It’s normal to feel some pain for a few days after a tooth is removed, which can be managed by taking pain relief medication. Your dentist will advise you to take it easy during your recovery, avoid hard foods and take care to brush gently around the extraction site.
See a wisdom tooth dentist in Mosman
If you’re suffering with wisdom tooth pain or other symptoms, give our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental a call and we’ll book you in for an appointment at a convenient time. Call us today on (02) 9969 8610 or book online.