Are you an adult who’s about 18 years or older and have you been noticing a throbbing in your jaw that doesn’t seem to subside? If so, you might be growing wisdom teeth. These third molars arrive years after your other permanent teeth have already erupted.
Unfortunately, they are notorious for causing persistent aches as they attempt to push through your gumline, so most dentists recommend having them removed before they become problematic. Continue reading to learn 3 potential reasons you might be experiencing wisdom tooth pain so you know when to contact your provider for help!
Issue #1: Overcrowding
Would you be surprised to learn that ancient peoples’ jawbones were larger and more squared off than ours are today? That means they had more room to comfortably house an extra set of molars, which they were more likely to need to survive into adulthood on a rough diet of raw nuts, roots, and meat.
Over time, as humans developed cooked meals, utensils, and dental care, our jawbones became shorter and rounder. As a result, there’s less space for your wisdom teeth, and they might painfully push their neighbors out of alignment. This can wear down your enamel prematurely, increasing your vulnerability to cavities or injuries that might also cause aches.
Issue #2: Improper Angle
Another common concern is that your wisdom teeth might grow at an inappropriate angle and become trapped in your jaw. If it becomes impacted, it can cause severe throbbing as the pressure builds in your jawbone, teeth, and gums. You might also notice that your gums are tender, darker than usual, or swollen, or experience discomfort when biting down.
An impacted wisdom tooth also frequently forms a cyst, which is a small fluid-filled sac that can become infected. In such cases, your dentist may have no recourse but to recommend a surgical extraction to access and remove the problematic molars to improve your condition.
Issue #3: Infection
Unfortunately, wisdom teeth are also prone to developing throbbing infections because they don’t always push far enough through the gumline. If they remain partially covered by your connective tissues, it’s much easier for plaque to form and cause disease. Whether you develop a periodontal problem in the soft tissues or the tooth itself is penetrated by bacteria, the ensuing aches can be brutal.
When it comes to your teeth, no pain is considered ‘normal’. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort that worsens rather than subsides, your dentist can help identify and treat the underlying problem!
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery, patients benefit from a team of experts eager to help people from across Virginia build and maintain their most beautiful and healthiest smiles. Our dedicated providers collaborate to provide a variety of restorative, cosmetic, and surgical procedures, including wisdom tooth extractions, to help rebuild or enhance your dental condition. Their compassionate approach, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, delivers comfortable, accurate treatment results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!