Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause pain that feels like it is coming from your ear. This is known as referred pain, which means the discomfort starts in one area but is felt somewhere else. Problems such as an impacted or infected wisdom tooth can cause pain in the back of the jaw that may also be felt near the ear.
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Why Wisdom Tooth Pain Can Be Felt in Your Ear
Your teeth, jaw, and parts of your ear share some of the same nerve pathways. Because of this connection, pain from a back molar can sometimes feel like it is coming from your ear.
This type of ear pain does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the ear itself. A dental exam can help determine whether the pain is coming from a wisdom tooth or another area.
Infection Around a Wisdom Tooth Can Cause Pain
A partially erupted wisdom tooth can leave an area of gum tissue where food and bacteria are difficult to remove. The gum tissue around the tooth can become inflamed or infected, a condition called pericoronitis.
Along with pain near the tooth or ear, you may notice:
- Red or swollen gums near the wisdom tooth
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Swelling toward the back of the jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth comfortably
An infection around a wisdom tooth should be evaluated rather than ignored, especially if pain or swelling is getting worse.
How Can You Tell If Ear Pain Is Coming From a Wisdom Tooth?
Ear pain has many possible causes, so the location of the discomfort alone cannot tell you where it started. However, a dental cause may be more likely when ear pain occurs along with pain or tenderness near a back molar, swollen gums, jaw discomfort, or difficulty opening your mouth.
An examination and dental imaging can show whether a wisdom tooth is impacted, partially erupted, infected, or affecting nearby structures. If your wisdom teeth appear healthy, another cause of the ear pain may need to be considered.
Ear Pain Can Have Other Causes
Not all ear pain that occurs near a wisdom tooth is caused by the tooth. Ear infections, problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and other conditions can also cause pain in or around the ear.
That is why persistent ear pain should not automatically be blamed on wisdom teeth. If you have changes in hearing, drainage from the ear, or other symptoms that suggest the problem may be inside the ear, medical evaluation may also be appropriate.
When Wisdom Tooth Removal May Help
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Removal may be recommended when a tooth is impacted and causing problems, repeatedly becomes infected, causes ongoing pain, or is affecting nearby teeth.
At Angus Dentistry, we examine your wisdom teeth and use dental imaging when needed to see how they are positioned and whether they are affecting the surrounding area. This helps us determine whether removal is appropriate or if the teeth can continue to be monitored.
We provide wisdom tooth evaluations and removal for patients in Midlothian and the surrounding Richmond area.
FAQs
Can wisdom teeth cause pain when chewing?
Yes. A wisdom tooth or inflamed gum tissue around it can become painful when you bite or chew, especially toward the back of the mouth. Pain with chewing that persists or gets worse should be evaluated.
Can an impacted wisdom tooth cause jaw stiffness?
An impacted or infected wisdom tooth can cause inflammation and discomfort around the back of the jaw. In some cases, this can make it uncomfortable or difficult to open your mouth fully.
Can wisdom tooth pain spread to your neck or throat?
Pain and inflammation around a wisdom tooth can sometimes be felt in nearby areas, including the throat or upper neck. Swelling that is spreading, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing requires prompt medical attention.
Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Evaluation
If you are experiencing pain at the back of your jaw or have repeated infections around your wisdom teeth, our dentists at Angus Dentistry can evaluate the area and discuss whether treatment is needed. Led by Dr. Rebecca Angus, our team provides personalized care to help you make informed decisions about your wisdom teeth.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Midlothian, VA, call (804) 794-6893 or visit us at 2400 Pagehurst Dr, Midlothian, VA.