Wisdom teeth: symptoms, pain, and when to remove them
The wisdom tooth is the last molar to appear, usually between the ages of 17 and 25.
For many people it causes no problems, but when it doesn't find space or grows in the wrong position it can cause pain, swelling and recurrent infections.
In this guide, you'll find out why they hurt, what symptoms to look for, and when extraction is really necessary .
What is a wisdom tooth and why can it cause problems?
The wisdom tooth is the third molar , a legacy from our ancestors who had larger jaws and a harsher diet.
Today, however, many people have smaller arches , and this makes it difficult for the tooth to erupt correctly.
For this it can be:
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absent (agenesis)
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semi-included (only partially checked)
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included (stuck under the gum and bone)
It is precisely in these situations that the symptoms appear.
Most common symptoms of wisdom teeth
1. Pain and swelling
The tooth tries to come out but encounters obstacles: gum, bone or the adjacent tooth.
The result is pain that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or head.
2. Pericoronaritis
It is the most common infection.
It occurs when food debris and bacteria accumulate under the gum that partially covers the tooth, causing:
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swelling
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severe pain
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redness
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bad taste in the mouth
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fever in the most severe cases
3. Cavities that are difficult to detect
Their posterior position and difficulty in cleaning make wisdom teeth very susceptible to decay , often invisible to the naked eye.
4. Difficulty chewing and opening the mouth
Inflammatory swelling can prevent normal opening of the mouth.
When is it necessary to remove wisdom teeth?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Extraction becomes necessary when they pose a risk to oral health.
The main indications are:
Deep or incurable cavities
Cavities in third molars are often difficult to treat due to their anatomy and location.
Recurrent pericoronaritis
If the infection returns repeatedly, extraction is the definitive solution.
Chronic pain with no apparent explanation
Sign that the tooth is misplaced or in constant pressure.
Damage to the nearby molar
A wisdom tooth can push against the second molar, damaging it, causing decay, or compromising its root.
Presence of cysts
Rarely, impacted wisdom teeth may be associated with cysts, which require immediate removal.
Preparing for orthodontic treatment
Sometimes extraction is needed to create space or prevent complications.
Diagnosis: Which tests are really necessary?
To evaluate whether or not to extract a wisdom tooth, the following are performed:
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Orthopantomography (OPT)
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Cone Beam CT (CBCT) → necessary if the tooth is close to the inferior alveolar nerve
These tests help plan the surgery in complete safety.
When to go to the dentist
Book a visit if you notice:
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pain that lasts more than 48 hours
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swollen gums
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difficulty opening the mouth
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fever or abscesses
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bad taste or pus
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pain that reaches the ear or temple
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does wisdom tooth hurt?
It hurts when there's no room for it to come out properly. Pressure on the gum, inflammation, or an infection like pericoronitis causes pain that can radiate to the jaw, ear, and temple.
When is it necessary to extract wisdom teeth?
It is recommended to remove it if there are deep cavities, recurrent infections, constant pain, risk of damaging the adjacent tooth, presence of cysts or orthodontic needs.
What symptoms indicate a wisdom tooth problem?
Pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, bleeding, frequent infections, pain radiating to the ear and head, fever.
How is a problematic wisdom tooth diagnosed?
Through a dental examination with an orthopantomography (OPT) or Cone Beam CT scan to verify position, impaction, infections and distance from the mandibular nerve.
Conclusions
Wisdom teeth can remain unseen for a lifetime… or become a source of pain, infection, and problems for nearby teeth.
Recognizing the symptoms and intervening early allows you to avoid complications and keep your oral health under control.
