Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically emerge between ages 17-25. When there isn't enough room in your jaw for them to come in properly, they can become impacted — stuck beneath the gum or growing at an angle. This can cause significant pain, swelling, and even infection.

Common Causes

• Impacted wisdom teeth trapped beneath the gum
• Partial eruption creating a flap that traps bacteria
• Pericoronitis (infection of the gum tissue around the tooth)
• Wisdom teeth pushing against neighboring teeth
• Cysts forming around impacted teeth
• Decay in hard-to-clean wisdom teeth

When to See a Dentist

See a dentist if you have pain at the back of your mouth, swollen or tender gums behind your last molars, jaw stiffness, difficulty opening your mouth, or a bad taste from infection. Don't wait — infections around wisdom teeth can spread quickly.

Wisdom Teeth Evaluation and Removal

We use 3D Cone Beam imaging to see exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned. If removal is recommended, we offer both oral sedation and IV sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Recovery typically takes just a few days.