Is Your Jaw Aching? Why Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacting and Medically Approved Next Steps

Jaw pain can be frustrating, distracting, and sometimes hard to ignore. If you're feeling pressure in the back of your mouth, swelling near your molars, or pain when chewing, your wisdom teeth could be the cause.

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries performed today. But not every ache means you need surgery right away. Understanding what's happening—and what to do next—can help you make informed, confident decisions about your health.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. They usually appear between ages 17 and 25, though some people develop them earlier or later. Most adults have four wisdom teeth—two on top and two on the bottom.

Thousands of years ago, these extra molars helped our ancestors chew tough foods. Today, however, our jaws are often too small to fit them comfortably. That's when problems can begin.

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What Does "Impacted" Mean?

An impacted wisdom tooth does not have enough space to fully erupt (come through the gum). Instead, it may:

• Grow at an angle toward neighboring teeth
• Stay partially trapped under the gum
• Remain completely buried in the jawbone
• Emerge only partially through the gum

When a tooth is impacted, it can irritate surrounding tissue and create areas where bacteria collect.

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Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Jaw Pain

Jaw aching from wisdom teeth typically happens for a few key reasons:

1. Pressure and Crowding

When there isn't enough room, the wisdom tooth pushes against nearby molars. This pressure can cause:

• Dull jaw pain
• Headaches
• Ear discomfort
• Tooth sensitivity

2. Inflammation of the Gums (Pericoronitis)

If a tooth partially erupts, a flap of gum tissue may remain over it. Food and bacteria can get trapped underneath, leading to:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Pain when chewing

3. Infection

Impacted teeth are harder to clean. Bacteria buildup can lead to infection, which may cause:

• Throbbing pain
• Facial swelling
• Fever
• Difficulty opening your mouth

Infections in the mouth can become serious if untreated. While this is uncommon, spreading infection can affect surrounding tissues and, in rare cases, become dangerous. If you experience worsening swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing, seek urgent medical care.

4. Damage to Nearby Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can press against adjacent molars, increasing the risk of:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Root damage

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Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be the Problem

You might consider wisdom teeth as a possible cause if you notice:

• Persistent pain in the back of the jaw
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Pain that worsens when chewing
• Jaw stiffness
• A bad taste or odor from the back of your mouth
• Visible partial tooth eruption

If eating has become uncomfortable or it's become Too painful to chew, this free symptom checker can help you understand what might be causing your discomfort before your dental appointment.

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When Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Dentists and oral surgeons typically recommend wisdom teeth removal if:

• The teeth are impacted and causing pain
• There are signs of infection
• There is damage to nearby teeth
• Cysts or structural problems develop
• Repeated gum inflammation occurs
• The teeth are unlikely to erupt properly

In some cases, wisdom teeth are removed proactively—especially in younger patients—because healing is generally easier and complication rates are lower before roots fully develop.

However, if your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, aligned properly, and easy to clean, removal may not be necessary.

A dental exam and X-rays are the only way to know for sure.

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What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is usually an outpatient procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.

The process typically includes:

• Local anesthesia (to numb the area), sometimes with sedation
• A small incision in the gum (if the tooth is impacted)
• Removal of the tooth, sometimes in sections
• Stitches if needed

The procedure often takes less than an hour.

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Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most people recover within a few days to a week.

Common after-effects:

• Mild swelling
• Jaw stiffness
• Minor bleeding
• Soreness

These symptoms are normal and improve steadily.

To support healing:

• Rest for 24–48 hours
• Use cold compresses for swelling
• Eat soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup)
• Avoid straws and smoking (to prevent dry socket)
• Follow your dentist's care instructions carefully

Serious complications are uncommon but can include infection, nerve irritation, or dry socket (a painful condition where the protective clot dislodges). If pain worsens instead of improving, contact your provider.

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Can You Delay Wisdom Teeth Removal?

In some cases, yes.

Your dentist may monitor your wisdom teeth if:

• They are not causing pain
• There is no infection
• X-rays show no damage
• You can clean them properly

However, delaying removal when there are clear signs of infection or structural problems can lead to:

• More difficult surgery later
• Increased risk of complications
• Spread of infection

Discuss timing carefully with your provider.

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Jaw pain alone is usually not life-threatening. However, seek urgent care if you experience:

• Rapidly spreading facial swelling
• High fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• Severe, worsening pain

These symptoms may indicate a spreading infection that requires prompt treatment.

When in doubt, speak to a doctor or dentist immediately.

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The Bottom Line

Jaw aching in the back of your mouth is often linked to impacted wisdom teeth. While discomfort can range from mild pressure to sharp pain, the underlying cause is usually lack of space, inflammation, or infection.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common and generally safe procedure when medically necessary. Not everyone needs it—but if you're experiencing swelling, repeated infections, or pain that interferes with daily life, it may be the right next step.

If chewing has become difficult, consider using a free online symptom checker to gather more information before your visit. Then, schedule an evaluation with a dental professional.

Most importantly:

• Don't ignore persistent jaw pain
• Don't panic—many cases are manageable
• Speak to a doctor or dentist about symptoms that are severe, worsening, or concerning

Early evaluation can prevent complications and help you feel better sooner.

Your jaw should not ache every day. If it does, it's time to get answers.