Why Do My Wisdom Teeth Hurt?

Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted because they contribute to a number of oral health issues including tooth decay, gum disease, and abscesses. Retaining wisdom teeth also causes headaches and orofacial pain – especially if these teeth are impacted or infected.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as an increase in the frequency of headaches, difficulty eating comfortably, or inflamed tissue around wisdom teeth, you should make an appointment with your oral healthcare provider. If your wisdom teeth are contributing to your symptoms, your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon for treatment.

Why Should I See an Oral Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is a specialist trained to provide surgical treatments and other procedures on various tissues within the oral cavity. Common treatments provided by an OMS include implant dentistry, reconstructive procedures, oral pathology, and tooth extractions.

Dentists often recommend that patients visit an OMS for wisdom teeth removal because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth near tendons and other sensitive structures. This area of the mouth makes removing wisdom teeth more complicated than other tooth extractions. Moreover, impacted wisdom teeth are cumbersome to remove. The roots of teeth can grow into the bone in hook-like shapes, making their extraction very tedious. Visiting a specialist for procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions means that a patient will receive high quality, comfortable care.

What if My Wisdom Teeth Don’t Bother Me?

If your wisdom teeth have emerged but you do not experience symptoms such as orofacial pain or headaches, it is still important to consult with your oral healthcare provider during routine checkups. If your dentist has recommended that your wisdom teeth be removed, it is for good reason. Even if you do not experience symptoms with your wisdom teeth now, removing them before they contribute to problems is often recommended.

We are accepting new patients. Call us today at Stonebriar Facial & Oral Surgery to reserve a consultation with our oral surgeon.