Are you experiencing frequent headaches but can’t pinpoint the cause? If you’ve ruled out the usual triggers (i.e., stress, illness, caffeine, etc.), you might wonder, can wisdom teeth cause headaches? The answer is yes, and understanding the connection between your wisdom teeth and headaches can help you find relief.
At Naperville Dental Specialists, our experienced general dentists and board-certified oral surgeon are experts in wisdom teeth development, complications and extractions. In this post, we’ll dive into the link between the third molars and headaches and discuss when wisdom teeth should be removed.
Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches? Understanding the Connection
Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, there’s not enough room in the jaw for them to grow properly. This can lead to impaction, misalignment, or pressure on surrounding teeth.
Whether or not your wisdom teeth will cause headaches depends on how they develop. Here are some reasons they can be the culprits behind head and neck pain:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t fully emerge and remain partially or completely stuck under the bone, they’re said to be impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums, causing pain that radiates into the jaw, head and neck. - Jaw Tension and Teeth Grinding
You might unconsciously respond to discomfort and pressure from your wisdom teeth by grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw. The force and tension from these habits can cause headaches. In fact, nighttime grinding is a reason why many people report that their headaches are worse in the morning. - Inflammation and Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria and food debris. This puts you at risk for infection, swelling and pressure that extends to the head and neck.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Neck Pain or Migraines?
In addition to headaches, can wisdom teeth cause neck pain? Yes, when wisdom teeth create tension in the jaw, that discomfort can reach the neck and shoulders. This occurs because the muscles in your jaw and neck are closely connected and stress in one area can affect the other.
Similarly, can wisdom teeth cause migraines? Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth create pressure and inflammation that can trigger these severe headaches. Migraines are frequently accompanied by:
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea
- Pain that radiates to the temples or behind the eyes
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
As for when wisdom teeth should be removed, here are some signs it might be necessary:
- Frequent Headaches or Jaw Pain
Our Naperville oral surgeon may recommend wisdom teeth removal if the pressure from the teeth is causing ongoing head, neck and/or jaw pain. - Repeated Infections
Repeated infection of the soft tissues around the wisdom teeth can signal an issue. - Gum Disease or Tooth Decay
The wisdom teeth are hard to keep clean. This is especially true when they only erupt partway because it creates a path for bacteria to enter the gum tissue. It’s common for wisdom teeth to be extracted when they lead to gum disease and cavities. - Cysts or Tumors
Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent or alleviate any related cysts (fluid-filled sacs) or tumors. - Recurring Sinus Issues
In severe cases, upper wisdom teeth can put pressure on the sinuses, which causes congestion and headaches. - Damage to Nearby Teeth
When wisdom teeth grow in the wrong way they can damage the nearby teeth.
Will I Have a Headache After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you’re considering an extraction, you might be curious about the recovery period. Will you have a headache after wisdom teeth removal or will it disappear once the teeth are gone?
First, the good news. Most patients find headaches caused by wisdom teeth significantly improve or disappear altogether once they’ve healed from surgery.
That said, some people do experience a headache after wisdom teeth removal, which is typically due to:
- Swelling and inflammation in the jaw and surrounding tissues
- Post-surgical discomfort that radiates to the head or neck
- Changes in bite alignment as your mouth adjusts
These post-surgery headaches are temporary and can be managed with pain relievers, hydration and rest.
Find Relief from Wisdom Teeth Headaches
If you suspect your wisdom teeth are contributing to headaches, neck pain or migraines, don’t wait for the pain and discomfort to worsen. We can evaluate your symptoms and determine if wisdom teeth extraction is needed.
With general dentists, a board-certified oral surgeon and a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on our team, we take an integrated approach to wisdom teeth removal in Naperville. This means we can safely administer sedation and perform even the most complex procedures right here in our office.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward relief!
