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Writer's pictureDr. Deepak Rudramoorthy

Frequently Asked Question About Wisdom Tooth Extraction - Pain

Updated: Jun 20, 2023


Can wisdom tooth extraction - pain cause earaches and headaches?


Wisdom teeth are the tertiary set of molars that generally grow out in the late teens or early twenties, and yes, they can cause earaches and headaches in some cases when the wisdom teeth push against the adjacent teeth or jawbone, leading to soreness. This pressure can also radiate to other parts of the head, including the ears and temples, resulting in earaches and headaches. In addition, wisdom teeth that are moderately developed can create spaces where food and bacteria can accumulate, eventually causing infections that may lead to earaches and headaches. If neglected, this infection may spread to other parts of the body, giving way to major health complications.


Wisdom Tooth Extraction - Pain

 



Wisdom Tooth Extraction - Pain


What are the benefits of wisdom tooth removal?


There are several benefits to having your wisdom teeth removed:

  1. Relief from soreness and discomfort: If your wisdom teeth are partially developed, it may cause you to feel discomfort and pain, and having them removed can prevent it.

  2. The risk of infection is reduced because wisdom teeth create space where food gets trapped, which causes decay and infection. By removing them, you can avoid infections.

  3. Avoiding dental problems: Wisdom teeth can cause misalignment in teeth and overcrowding in the mouth. By having them removed, you can prevent these issues from developing and protect your overall oral health.

  4. Easier oral hygiene: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean as they are towards the very inside of the mouth, which can increase the risk of decay and gum disease. By removing them, you can make it easier to keep your mouth clean, reducing the risk of infections.

  5. Prevention of cysts and tumors: In some cases, wisdom teeth can start to grow cysts and tumors, which can cause harm to nearby teeth and the jawbone. By removing them, you can prevent these problems from developing.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction - Pain


Why does wisdom tooth removal lead to bad breath?


The aftermath of the wisdom teeth causes bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth due to reasons like:

  1. Swelling: After wisdom teeth removal, there will be swelling in the mouth and throat because of which you might not be able to brush, and it is also advised to avoid brushing powerfully or rinsing vigorously close to or around the area of removal; all these actions in turn result in bad breath.

  2. Prescription: Medication after wisdom teeth removal often includes painkillers and antibiotics, which, as a side effect, cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath.

  3. Healing process: There will be an opening in the gum after the removal of the synonyms where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to bad breath.


 

How do I deal with pain due to growing wisdom teeth?


There are several ways to deal with the pain due to growing wisdom teeth:

  1. Pain killers: Taking over-the-counter pain killers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation, and it is advised to follow the instructions on the label carefully and not exceed the recommended dosage.

  2. Warm compress: placing a warm heating pad on a low setting for 15 to 20 minutes at a time or a moist cloth on the area of soreness due to the growth of wisdom teeth and compressing it can reduce pain and swelling.

  3. Rinse with salt water: an age-old remedy to get rid of bad breath diseases, sore throats, halitosis, inflammation, and pain. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle the salt solution in your mouth for a minute before spitting it out.

  4. Use numbing gels: Over-the-counter numbing gels or creams containing benzocaine can help temporarily relieve pain and discomfort. Apply a small amount of the gel to the affected area with a clean finger or cotton swab.

  5. Consult your dentist. If the pain is severe or if you experience symptoms like fever, you should consult a dentist.




Can the removal of a wisdom tooth cause an IQ deficiency?


No, the removal of a wisdom tooth does not cause an IQ deficiency. Wisdom teeth are commonly removed to prevent overcrowding, shifting of teeth, misalignment, and other oral health-related issues. Removal of wisdom teeth is considered secure without any long-term effects. There is no scientific evidence to support the assertion that the removal of wisdom teeth has a negative impact on the intelligence quotient or cognitive function.


Why does the wisdom tooth grow horizontally?


Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, can sometimes grow horizontally due to a lack of space in the jaw. When this happens, the tooth is referred to as impacted, and it can cause several oral health problems.

Other reasons for the wisdom teeth to grow horizontally are:

  1. Impacted wisdom teeth may develop due to genetics, as some people tend to have smaller jaws or a genetic susceptibility to impacted wisdom teeth.

  2. In rare cases, a cyst or tumour may form around a developing wisdom tooth, causing it to grow in the wrong direction.

  3. Occasionally, a wisdom tooth might develop in the wrong position or with a twisted root, and these deformities might cause it to grow horizontally.

What is the remedy for wisdom tooth pain?

The remedy for wisdom teeth depends on the severity of the issue. Here are a few remedies to help you get relief from the pain:

  1. Using numbing gels: Over-the-counter numbing gels can help you get temporary relief from pain and discomfort. Apply a small amount of the gel to the affected area with a clean finger or cotton swab.

  2. Gargling with salt water: make a solution out of half a teaspoon of salt and a glass of warm water and gargle with the solution for about a minute. This reduces inflammation.

  3. You can depend on over-the-counter pain relievers; make sure to not exceed the dosage as per the instructions on the label.

  4. Cold compress: you can use a damp cloth or a gel pack wrapped in a towel and press it to the cheek of the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes to numb the pain.\



If the pain is persistent and severe, it is best to consult a dentist.


Does everyone get their wisdom teeth removed?

The need for removal of the wisdom teeth depends on factors like the size and shape of the jaw, the position of the wisdom teeth, and your overall oral health, so not everyone gets their wisdom teeth removed. Some people might have enough space in their jaw to have their wisdom teeth without any complications, and for these people, the wisdom teeth will develop and function normally like the other teeth.

In other cases where people have a different type of jaw that cannot accommodate the wisdom teeth and the teeth end up developing partially and being impacted, which in turn causes oral health issues, it is best to get the teeth removed.




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