Wisdom tooth pain is one of the most common dental issues among young adults. It usually appears between the ages of 17 and 25, although some people never develop them, or experience no symptoms at all. However, when wisdom teeth do cause pain, it’s important to pay attention: they could be creating complications that go beyond a passing discomfort.
At A2 Dental Mallorca, we frequently treat patients who come to us with pain at the back of the mouth, swelling, difficulty fully opening their jaw, or even fever. All of these symptoms may be linked to the eruption or poor positioning of the wisdom teeth. Below, we explain why this happens, how it presents, and what options exist to relieve the pain and resolve the problem effectively.
Why do wisdom teeth hurt?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to come through and often lack the space to erupt properly. This lack of space can cause them to remain partially covered by gum tissue or grow in at an incorrect angle, pressing on nearby teeth or causing inflammation.
Moreover, because they are so far back in the mouth, it’s harder to clean them properly, which encourages the build-up of bacteria. This can lead to infections in the surrounding gum (pericoronitis), decay in the wisdom tooth or the adjacent molar, and even cysts or damage to the roots of nearby teeth.
Typical symptoms when wisdom teeth cause problems
When there is a complicated eruption or an associated infection, the most common symptoms include pain in the back of the jaw, visible swelling, redness of the gum, and sometimes difficulty chewing or fully opening the mouth. It’s also common to notice a bad taste in that area or halitosis if there is an active infection.
In more advanced cases, the pain may radiate to the ear, neck or even cause fever and general discomfort. If it reaches this point, it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the infection from worsening.
When should a wisdom tooth be extracted?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but those that cause recurrent pain, frequent infections, dental crowding, hard-to-reach decay, or damage to surrounding teeth usually do. In many cases, preventive removal is recommended before more serious problems develop—especially if X-rays show that the tooth has no space to erupt correctly.
At A2 Dental Mallorca, we carry out a full examination using panoramic X-rays or a dental CT scan to determine whether one or more wisdom teeth need to be extracted, and if so, to plan a safe surgery with the fastest possible recovery.
How is wisdom tooth pain treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and condition of the tooth. Sometimes, mild discomfort can be managed with anti-inflammatory medication and good oral hygiene until the eruption completes. However, when there is infection, severe inflammation or difficulty opening the mouth, antibiotics may be required, and extraction may need to be considered.
Temporary relief through warm salt water rinses or applying cold compresses can help, but should never replace a visit to the dentist. Self-medicating or delaying treatment may worsen the condition and make any future procedure more complex.
What to expect after extraction
Many people fear the surgery due to the idea of pain, but it is now a safe and well-controlled procedure. It is performed under local anaesthetic and, if desired, with conscious sedation. The recovery typically involves mild swelling during the first few days, which is easily managed with medication and basic home care.
In most cases, patients can return to their routine within 48–72 hours, following the dentist’s instructions to ensure proper healing.
Personalised assessment and care at A2 Dental Mallorca
If you feel pain at the back of your mouth, have noticed gum swelling, or experience discomfort while chewing, we encourage you not to wait. The sooner your wisdom teeth are assessed, the easier it will be to avoid complications.
At A2 Dental Mallorca, our team will carry out a complete diagnosis and advise you on the most suitable treatment, whether it involves pain management or extraction if necessary. Our goal is to help you regain your oral health with minimal discomfort and maximum safety.