Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Ear Pain?

Wisdom teeth removal is often necessary due to discomfort and crowding, but did you know they can also cause ear pain?

Wisdom Teeth Issues

While some people may never experience pain from their wisdom teeth, this is rare. Problems arise when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for these teeth to fully emerge. Our ancestors, who had larger jaws for chewing tough foods like roots and meats, needed these extra teeth. However, modern diets have made these large jaws unnecessary, and over time, our jaws have evolved to be smaller. This can cause complications when wisdom teeth begin to grow, as they may become impacted or even infected, leading to significant discomfort.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Ear pain is often caused by Temporomandibular Joint issue but can sometimes be a referred pain from impacted wisdom teeth, which occur when the teeth are blocked from fully breaking through the gums. When this happens, the tooth can grow at an angle, causing severe damage to the gums and jaw. Signs of impacted wisdom teeth include:

Ear pain
Swollen, tender, or painful gums
Bad breath
Achy jaw
Difficulty opening the mouth

If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist or the best oral surgeon in Topeka immediately, as infections can escalate quickly.

Infected Wisdom Teeth

Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections. The difficulty in cleaning around partially erupted teeth allows food and bacteria to get trapped, resulting in tooth decay. Worse, bacteria can infiltrate the gums, causing deep infections in the gums and jaw. Signs of a wisdom tooth infection may include:

Purulence from the gum
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Fever
Tender and inflamed gums
Pain near the infection site

If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist or the best oral surgeon in Topeka immediately, as infections can escalate quickly.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth should typically be removed when they start causing issues, usually between the ages of 16 and 21. Jaw, gum, or ear pain are strong signals that it’s time to consult an oral surgeon.

Topeka Oral Surgery Is Here to Help

If you’re experiencing ear pain and suspect your wisdom teeth are the cause, Topeka Oral Surgery is here to assist. We specialize in wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, jaw surgeries, and more. Fill out the form below to request an appointment.

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