If you’re between your late teens and mid-twenties and have started to feel pressure or tenderness at the back of your mouth, you might be experiencing wisdom tooth pain. These third molars are the last adult teeth to grow in, and for many people, their arrival brings discomfort, swelling, and other unpleasant sensations. This guide explains wisdom teeth pain, why it happens, what does wisdom teeth pain feel like,and what symptoms to watch for. We’ll also cover when to seek professional care and what to expect during and after wisdom teeth removal.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Wisdom teeth are the final group of molars to develop, typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. While they can grow in without problems, that’s not the case for everyone. Most people don’t have enough space in their jaws for all four wisdom teeth to fully emerge. When that happens, the teeth can push through at a wrong angle or get trapped beneath the gum line, a condition known as an impacted wisdom tooth.
Because these teeth are at the back of your mouth, cleaning them properly is harder. This can lead to trapped food particles, infection, and pressure against the surrounding teeth, all of which cause discomfort or tooth pain.
What Does Wisdom Teeth Pain Feel Like?
Everyone experiences it slightly differently, but wisdom tooth pain can range from a dull ache to severe pain that radiates through the jaw, gums, and even the upper jaw or sinus cavity. Here are some of the most common signs people notice when their wisdom teeth emerge:
- Tenderness and pressure at the back of the mouth
- Swollen gums around the growing tooth
- A dull or throbbing ache that spreads through the jaw or ear
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- An ongoing unpleasant taste in your mouth or lingering bad breath
- Pain that worsens when food particles get trapped around the area
- Soreness when brushing or biting near the back molars
At first, you might experience mild pain that comes and goes. But if the pain persists or becomes sharp and constant, it could mean the tooth is impacted, or there’s an infection developing beneath the gums.
The Different Stages of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth discomfort often develops gradually, moving through several distinct stages as the tooth erupts or becomes impacted.
Early Growth and Pressure
When wisdom teeth erupt, you may feel pressure deep in the jaw or near the back of your mouth. This is your body’s response to the tooth trying to push through the gum tissue. The gums might appear slightly swollen or red, but the pain at this stage is usually tolerable.
Gums Become Swollen and Tender
As the tooth continues to push upward, the gums can swell and become painful to touch. You might notice it’s harder to clean that area properly. If you run your tongue over the area, you could feel a small bump where the wisdom teeth come through. Rinsing with warm water mixed with a bit of salt can help reduce swelling and discomfort temporarily.
Partial Eruption or Impaction
A tooth that only partly breaks through the gum can collect food debris and bacteria, which may lead to infection. This can lead to swollen gums, jaw pain, and even a bad taste or odour coming from the area. The pain can feel sharp when you’re opening your mouth or chewing on that side.
Infection and Swelling
When bacteria accumulate around a partially exposed tooth, a small pocket of pus can form, called pericoronitis. Symptoms may include swelling, throbbing pain, jaw stiffness, and a bad taste in your mouth. If it isn’t treated, the infection may extend to the jaw or nearby tissues, making it hard to open your mouth fully. In severe cases, you might even experience sinus pain or discomfort in your upper jaw.
Why an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Hurts So Much
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that can’t fully emerge because it’s blocked by bone, gum, or other teeth. This pressure can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness. In some cases, an impacted tooth presses against the second molar, causing shifting teeth or even damage to nearby roots. With time, this may impact your oral health and result in more complex dental issues.
Types of Impaction
Here are the main types of impaction your dentist may identify during an examination.
- Soft tissue impaction: The tooth has broken through the bone but is still covered by the gum, causing tenderness and inflammation.
- Partial impaction: Part of the tooth has come through, creating a flap of gum tissue that traps debris.
- Complete impaction: The tooth remains entirely under the gum or bone, causing deep pressure and sometimes severe pain.
When the pain becomes persistent, swollen gums appear, or an infection appears, it’s usually a sign that the tooth won’t settle on its own. In this case, wisdom teeth extractions are often recommended.
When to See a Dentist
You should see a dentist if you’re:
- Experiencing pain that lasts more than a few days
- Noticing swelling or infection around the back of the mouth
- Finding it difficult to open your mouth fully
- Feeling pressure on other teeth or seeing visible changes in their alignment
A dentist will take X-rays to check how your wisdom teeth come through and whether they’re growing at the wrong angle or causing crowding. If your wisdom tooth pain results from an impaction or infection, your dentist might recommend removing it.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal
The procedure is straightforward and done under local anaesthesia to numb the area. Some patients may also be offered sedation options to help them stay relaxed during the process, especially if all four wisdom teeth are being extracted at once.
During the procedure:
- The dentist gently clears the gum tissue that covers the tooth.
- If required, the tooth can be sectioned into smaller parts to make removal easier.
- The site is cleaned to remove any food particles or infection.
- Stitches may be placed to assist healing.
Most people recover at home, with mild swelling or discomfort lasting a few days
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extractions
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s common to feel some soreness and swelling for a few days. This is a natural part of recovery as your gums heal. Your dentist will likely recommend:
- Rinsing your mouth gently with warm water mixed with salt to keep the area clean
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods for several days
- Taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication if needed for pain relief
- Applying an ice pack can help lessen swelling and relieve jaw stiffness
If you had multiple teeth removed, especially all four wisdom teeth, recovery might take a bit longer. Most people find the discomfort fades after a week, though complete healing can take a few weeks. If you notice severe pain, ongoing bleeding, or any signs of infection such as swollen gums, fever, or pus, reach out to your dental clinic immediately.
Complications If Left Untreated
Ignoring wisdom tooth pain can lead to several problems over time, such as:
- Infection in the gums or jawbone
- Damage to nearby teeth, including the second molar
- Causing crowding or shifting of existing teeth
- Fluid-filled sacs (cysts) forming around the impacted tooth
- Chronic jaw pain or stiffness
Untreated impacted teeth can also interfere with your bite and lead to difficulty opening your mouth. That’s why regular check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health.
How to Manage Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home
While waiting for a dental appointment, there are a few ways to manage the pain temporarily:
- Warm saltwater rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth slowly to ease swelling and reduce bacteria.
- Cold compress: Applying an ice pack to the outside of your jaw can help ease inflammation and painful throbbing.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Helps manage discomfort if advised by your dentist.
- Good oral hygiene: Brush carefully to remove food particles around the back of the mouth, but avoid harsh scrubbing near swollen gums.
- Soft food diet: Eat soups, yoghurt, mashed meals, and other soft foods to stay comfortable during recovery.
These methods can help reduce discomfort and swelling, but won’t fix the underlying issue if the tooth is impacted or infected.
When Wisdom Teeth Removal Is the Appropriate Option
While not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal, the procedure becomes essential if:
- The pain persists despite home remedies
- There’s clear evidence of infection or swelling
- The teeth are causing crowding or damaging other teeth
- X-rays show they’re growing at the wrong angle or into the sinus cavity
Your dentist will discuss the appropriate sedation options and provide personalised care to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. For most patients, wisdom teeth extractions bring long-term relief and protect overall oral health.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering what pain from wisdom teeth feels like, the answer depends on how your wisdom teeth emerge and whether there’s enough space for them to grow properly. For some, it’s just mild pain and pressure. For others, it can turn into severe pain, swollen gums, and even infection if ignored.
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or any of the symptoms described above, see a dentist for an evaluation. They can assess your situation, recommend wisdom teeth removal if needed, and provide the right personalised care to help you recover comfortably.
If you’re concerned about ongoing discomfort from emerging wisdom teeth or want clear guidance on treatment and recovery, book a consultation or call (08) 7078 8263.
Resources
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https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). ‘Wisdom Tooth Removal’. Mayo Clinic, 5 April. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.