Posted on 8/15/2025 by DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care
Many people experience jaw pain at some point in their lives. While the cause of jaw pain can vary, wisdom teeth are often the culprit. In this article, we will explore the connection between wisdom teeth and jaw pain, and what you can do if you are experiencing discomfort.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom. They are also known as third molars. Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25.
Why do wisdom teeth cause jaw pain?
Wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain for several reasons:
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Impaction: When wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, they can become impacted. This means they are stuck in the jawbone and cannot break through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can press on other teeth, nerves, and tissues, causing pain.
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Crowding: Wisdom teeth can also cause jaw pain if they erupt in a crowded mouth. This can lead to them pushing against other teeth, causing them to become misaligned.
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Infection: If wisdom teeth are not cleaned properly, they can become infected. This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty opening your mouth.
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Cysts: In some cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can damage the jawbone and cause pain.
What are the symptoms of jaw pain caused by wisdom teeth?
The symptoms of jaw pain caused by wisdom teeth can vary depending on the severity of the problem. Some common symptoms include:
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Aching or throbbing pain in the jaw
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Swelling in the jaw or face
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Difficulty opening your mouth
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Redness or bleeding gums
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Bad breath
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Earache
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Headache
What can you do if you are experiencing jaw pain caused by wisdom teeth?
If you are experiencing jaw pain caused by wisdom teeth, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your teeth and determine the cause of the pain.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. This is a surgical procedure that involves removing the wisdom teeth from the jawbone. Wisdom teeth extraction is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be able to go home the same day.
After wisdom teeth extraction, it is important to follow your dentist's instructions for care. This will help to ensure that you heal properly and avoid complications.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth can be a common cause of jaw pain. If you are experiencing jaw pain, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon to determine the cause and get the treatment you need.
About | Dentist Spring Hill, FL | DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi We here at O'Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Click to learn more about us! DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care - Dr. James DeLuca DMD, Dr. Nick Ressel DMD, 3429 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609 ~ (352) 666-9898 ~ springhilldentist.com ~ 1/17/2026 ~ Related Phrases: dentist spring hill fl ~
Many people experience jaw pain at some point in their lives. While the cause of jaw pain can vary, wisdom teeth are often the culprit. In this article, we will explore the connection between wisdom teeth and jaw pain, and what you can do if you are experiencing discomfort.