Do you have a nagging toothache but can’t seem to identify its cause?
When it comes to toothaches, a particularly troublesome source is wisdom teeth. If these molars grow crooked or become impacted, the resulting inflammation and discomfort can be hard to ignore. But what does wisdom tooth pain feel like, exactly? This article will discuss the pain and discomfort associated with wisdom teeth issues, the symptoms you might encounter, and the different methods of diagnosis and treatment options.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars positioned at the very end of your jaw. They erupt between late teens and mid-twenties, and despite their name, they do not necessarily make you wiser, but instead were aptly named due to the timing of their eruption during adulthood!
Interestingly, while wisdom teeth were once thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to a diet of tough, fibrous foods, recent studies suggest that our modern diet and improved dental care mean not all wisdom teeth are required.
In fact, the human jaw has been gradually shrinking over time due to a softer diet and smaller jaw muscles, which means that you may not have sufficient room in your mouth to accommodate extra teeth, leading to overcrowding and dental impaction.
Impaction occurs when the tooth does not fully emerge from the gum line, resulting in inflammation, swelling, and even infection. This can lead to other teeth getting displaced, so they shift or cause damage to surrounding bone and gum tissue. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary to avoid further complications.
Although wisdom teeth are not a vital part of adult teeth, they can play a role in oral health and dental function and may require management or extraction in certain cases, especially when they are causing pain that can affect your daily life.
What Sensation is Associated With Wisdom Teeth Pain?
Wisdom teeth pain can vary from person to person. Our patients often describe it as a dull, constant ache or throbbing sensation in the back of the mouth, but it can also manifest as sharp or intense pain, especially when chewing or biting down.
What Triggers Pain and Discomfort in Wisdom Teeth?
A variety of factors can cause wisdom tooth pain, but the main culprits are
Dental Impaction: One of the main reasons for this type of pain is due to the fact that wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they are unable to emerge from the gums fully. An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to pressure on the gums and surrounding teeth, causing pain and discomfort.
Tooth Decay: Another cause of wisdom tooth pain is dental decay. Being the final set of molars that erupt in your mouth, wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean thoroughly, which can lead to bacteria and plaque buildup. Over time, this can cause decay and infection, which can result in pain and swelling.
Gum Disease: In some cases, wisdom tooth pain can also be caused by gum disease. This occurs when the gums become inflamed or infected, which can happen when wisdom teeth are not cleaned properly.
Trauma: Finally, wisdom tooth pain can also be caused by trauma or injury. This can occur if the tooth is knocked out of alignment or if there is damage to the surrounding gums or teeth.
There are many causes of wisdom tooth pain, and symptoms and treatment will vary with every case. Visiting our dental clinic to diagnose and treat the issue properly is important.
What Are The Main Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted teeth can manifest in many ways, and while some symptoms make it clear that wisdom teeth are responsible for the discomfort you could be feeling, other signs are more subtle and, at times, downright misleading!
Toothache and Swelling: Impacted teeth can cause severe pain and swelling in the affected area. This is because the tooth is unable to erupt fully and is causing pressure on the surrounding gums and tissues.
Referred Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain and discomfort in the neck area. This is usually due to the pressure caused by the tooth and the difficulty it can cause in opening and closing the mouth. They can also present as mild to severe pain in your ears or head. This is because the pain from the tooth can radiate and make it seem like the pain is originating from another place.
Difficulty in Chewing: Another common symptom of impacted teeth is pain felt while chewing and biting food. This is usually due to the semi-erupted molar or any swelling associated with a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Gum inflammation: If a tooth is impacted, it can result in mild to severe swelling and redness along the gums. This can be extremely distressing and may even cause an infection.
Changes in Teeth Alignment: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause changes in the alignment of the other teeth in the mouth. This is because the presence of the impacted tooth can cause a shift in the positioning of adjacent teeth, leading to overcrowding or malocclusion (misaligned teeth).
Overall, impacted teeth can have various symptoms that can be uncomfortable, if not outright painful and need a professional diagnosis for appropriate treatment.
How Is Wisdom Tooth Pain Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of wisdom tooth pain can be made in several ways, depending on the severity of the pain and your comfort level.
Dental and medical history: This is the first step in diagnosing the cause of your dental pain. Our caring and empathetic dentists will ask you about your dental and medical history because this information can provide clues about potential underlying causes, such as genetic factors, and help us develop a personalised treatment plan.
Visual examination: Our skilled dentists can diagnose wisdom tooth pain through a visual examination. They will check for swollen gums and the position of the teeth and examine the surrounding tissues for any signs of inflammation, infection, or swelling.
X-ray imaging: We often recommend this to get a clear picture of the wisdom teeth and surrounding areas. A dental X-ray is a safe procedure that can reveal the position of your wisdom tooth, whether it has emerged or is still impacted, and any potential damage to neighbouring teeth or nerves.
Panoramic imaging: This X-ray provides a wider view of the mouth and jaw. This imaging can also help our experienced dentists diagnose impacted wisdom teeth and their relation to other teeth.
3D imaging: Also known as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), 3D imaging provides our team with a more detailed perspective of the teeth and jaws. This imaging technique is useful for diagnosing complex cases of wisdom tooth pain.
Sensitivity testing: In some cases, wisdom tooth pain may be caused by an underlying dental issue, such as dental decay. Sensitivity testing can help pinpoint the source of the pain and help us determine the best course of treatment.
It is important you seek a professional diagnosis for effective treatment and to prevent complications in the future.
Treating Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home
There are several home remedies that can alleviate wisdom tooth pain until you can get to our clinic for your appointment with one of our caring dentists. Here are some of the more effective remedies:
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help minimise pain and inflammation in the affected area.
Saltwater rinses: Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help relieve swelling, pain, and infection. This is a simple and inexpensive option.
Ice pack: Apply a cold compress to the affected area to temporarily numb the pain and reduce swelling.
Cloves: Cloves or clove oil can provide temporary relief from toothache and have natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
You should know that while these home remedies can help alleviate pain, they are not a substitute for professional dental care. If you have severe tooth pain or other symptoms, it’s best to seek help from our qualified dental professionals.
Treating Wisdom Tooth Pain in a Dental Clinic
Wisdom teeth can be a pain in the jaw – literally and figuratively! While it’s true that not everyone experiences problems with their wisdom teeth, those who do know just how uncomfortable and inconvenient it can be. Thankfully, the treatment options available at Toothsome can relieve symptoms long-term, whether you require wisdom teeth removal or not.
At Toothsome, we offer several treatments to alleviate the discomfort caused by wisdom teeth and prevent further complications. When you come to Toothsome for relief from wisdom tooth pain, you can expect one or more of the following treatments that will give prompt and lasting relief.
Professional Cleaning: If your wisdom toothache is caused by poor oral hygiene, which has led to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, our highly-experienced dentists will thoroughly clean the affected wisdom tooth and remove the irritant that could be causing the pain.
Tooth Decay Treatment: If the wisdom tooth pain is due to a cavity or decay, we may treat the affected molar with a filling or even perform a root canal if the decay has infected your tooth’s inner pulp. This will remove the decayed and infected portion that is causing pain.
Antibiotics Prescription: If an infection is causing the pain, we will prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Extraction: If your wisdom tooth is impacted or causing other serious problems, we may recommend an extraction. Wisdom tooth removal is often a definitive solution to this type of toothache and will not affect your oral function.
Toothsome: The Clear Choice for Treatment of Wisdom Tooth Pain in Sydney
If you are in distress due to wisdom teeth pain, seeking the right dental professional could be the difference between a stellar experience and a less-than-successful treatment. Toothsome in Sydney can provide the comprehensive wisdom teeth removal treatment you need with the attention and care you deserve. Here are some reasons Toothsome is the clear choice for wisdom tooth pain treatment.
Experts in Wisdom Teeth Removal and Periodontics
At Toothsome, you can be sure that your dental health is in the hands of experienced professionals. Dr David Willis, a medical doctor and highly skilled dental surgeon, can offer simple or complex wisdom teeth removal procedures. Additionally, our team of dental professionals covers all aspects of periodontics, which includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases.
Efficient and Patient-Focused Care
As a no-referral practice, Toothsome makes it easy for patients needing wisdom teeth removal treatment to book an appointment directly. We offer a personalised experience from the very first consultation through to the recovery period. This tailored approach ensures efficient and patient-focused care, providing peace of mind to patients throughout their treatment.
In-House Treatment Focus for Better Outcomes
At Toothsome, we focus on key dental services – dental implants, periodontics, and wisdom teeth removal – that are all carried out in-house. This approach streamlines the treatment process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. In addition, patients enjoy better treatment results, faster recovery periods, and more affordable prices.
Hospital Affiliations for General Anaesthetic
Toothsome has admitting rights to some of the leading hospitals in Sydney. We understand that some patients prefer to get their wisdom teeth removed under general anaesthetic.
Because of our hospital affiliations, patients have access to this option, and we’ve worked hard to negotiate competitive rates so you can achieve relief from dental pain without a financial burden. This means you can save money while ensuring the highest level of care.
Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If you opt for extraction in a hospital with general or IV sedation, our dental professionals work alongside anaesthetists to offer exceptional care, while our Chatswood and Baulkham Hills clinics offer local anaesthesia and twilight sedation. With our focus on premium yet gentle dental treatments, we can be sure to have complete peace of mind before, during, and after the tooth extraction procedure.
Comprehensive Aftercare
At Toothsome, we understand that your recovery period is as important as the treatment itself. That’s why 24 hours after the procedure, one of our dental professionals will call you to ensure everything is comfortable and on track. During your recovery period, we provide round-the-clock access to our team. This way, you can contact us anytime for any questions or concerns you may have. Finally, you’ll receive a complimentary patient review 1-2 weeks after treatment to ensure everything is to your satisfaction and that you’re progressing as planned.
Convenient Locations
Toothsome has two modern clinics in Chatswood and Baulkham Hills that provide patients with a comfortable and welcoming environment. Having two locations in different areas gives patients the flexibility to choose the one nearest to them, making it convenient to visit for appointments and follow-up treatments.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, be sure to speak with our dental team as soon as possible because when it comes to wisdom tooth pain treatment , Toothsome Implant Chatswood offers outstanding services.
With the right dental care and attention, you can mitigate wisdom tooth pain and get back to enjoying a healthy, happy smile.
Book an appointment for expert wisdom teeth pain treatment!
- Sydney CBD on (02) 9159 3728
- Baulkham Hills on (02) 9158 6637
- Chatswood on (02) 8203 8786
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
