“Should I get my wisdom teeth removed, Im 14.”
Recently, I've been feeling a lot of pain in the back of my jaw. I believe it is my wisdom teeth from diagrams of the wisdom teeth. It hurts when I swallow and its almost a constant throbbing feeling.
Male | 14 years old
Complaint duration: 10 Days
4 Answers
The symptoms you’re describing—a throbbing pain in the back of the jaw that worsens with swallowing—are common signs associated with impacted or emerging wisdom teeth. This discomfort often occurs when the wisdom teeth lack sufficient space to emerge properly, causing them to push against surrounding teeth, bone, or gum tissue. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, frequently treats patients with similar symptoms and can provide effective relief.
Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that cannot fully emerge due to limited space. This impaction can lead to pain, swelling, and discomfort in the back of the jaw, as well as difficulty swallowing and even ear pain in some cases.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. When a wisdom tooth partially breaks through the gums, bacteria and food particles can become trapped around it, leading to infection and swelling, which can cause pain and make swallowing uncomfortable.
Infection or Abscess
If the wisdom tooth area has become infected, it can lead to swelling, throbbing pain, and tenderness. In some cases, an abscess may form, which can increase pain and require prompt treatment.
What to Do Next
Apply Cold Compresses
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area temporarily, providing some relief from the throbbing sensation.
Use Salt Water Rinses
Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce bacteria and inflammation around the affected area, providing temporary relief.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-prescription pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions, and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Consult with an Oral Surgeon
Wisdom tooth pain often doesn’t resolve on its own and may require a professional evaluation. Dr. Jeremy Egan can perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and identify whether extraction is necessary to alleviate your symptoms and prevent future issues.
When to Seek Immediate Care
If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s important to seek prompt care, as these symptoms can indicate an infection that requires immediate treatment.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Egan offers expertise in wisdom tooth extractions and treatment for related complications. He can provide a personalized treatment plan to relieve your pain and address any underlying issues, ensuring a comfortable and effective solution.
Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that cannot fully emerge due to limited space. This impaction can lead to pain, swelling, and discomfort in the back of the jaw, as well as difficulty swallowing and even ear pain in some cases.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. When a wisdom tooth partially breaks through the gums, bacteria and food particles can become trapped around it, leading to infection and swelling, which can cause pain and make swallowing uncomfortable.
Infection or Abscess
If the wisdom tooth area has become infected, it can lead to swelling, throbbing pain, and tenderness. In some cases, an abscess may form, which can increase pain and require prompt treatment.
What to Do Next
Apply Cold Compresses
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area temporarily, providing some relief from the throbbing sensation.
Use Salt Water Rinses
Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce bacteria and inflammation around the affected area, providing temporary relief.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-prescription pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions, and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Consult with an Oral Surgeon
Wisdom tooth pain often doesn’t resolve on its own and may require a professional evaluation. Dr. Jeremy Egan can perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and identify whether extraction is necessary to alleviate your symptoms and prevent future issues.
When to Seek Immediate Care
If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s important to seek prompt care, as these symptoms can indicate an infection that requires immediate treatment.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Egan offers expertise in wisdom tooth extractions and treatment for related complications. He can provide a personalized treatment plan to relieve your pain and address any underlying issues, ensuring a comfortable and effective solution.
Follow the advise of your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if the wisdom teeth need removal. Many times they only need to be watched and monitored over time.
It would be best to see a dentist for a complete exam with X-rays to accurately diagnose this. Unfortunately, there is no way of saying if your wisdom teeth need to come out or not without an exam by a dentist including necessary X-rays. Preferably a panoramic x-ray. At 14 years old it is unlikely that they are the source of the pain at this stage. However it is possible. Please see a dentist asap for a complete evaluation. While some oral pain will heal on its in. It could be something that needs to be treated quick and aggressive in order to prevent further problems. Please get evaluated by your dentist ASAP! Good luck to you
You are 14. You need to consult a dentist to figure out if is your wisdom tooth or send molar.
