Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief: When Is Tooth Removal Necessary?

Wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge during a person's late teens or early twenties, but for many people, these "third molars" come with more problems than benefits. At Kansas City Surgical Arts, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Matthew Hlavacek provides wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions to help relieve pain and prevent future dental problems caused by wisdom teeth. While not all patients will require wisdom tooth removal, persistent pain and other symptoms — including swelling, inability to eat, and others — may indicate that extraction is the best course of action.

Why do wisdom teeth cause pain and discomfort?

Wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort when they become impacted, misaligned, or fail to erupt properly. Since the jaw often lacks sufficient space to accommodate these molars, they may grow at an angle, press against neighboring teeth, or remain trapped beneath the gums. This can lead to a range of painful issues, including:

• Gum inflammation and irritation
• Swelling in the jaw or mid-face
• Difficulty cleaning the back molars, leading to decay
• Pressure on surrounding teeth, causing crowding or misalignment

If wisdom tooth pain persists or worsens over time, an evaluation can help determine whether removal is necessary to prevent further complications.

Will wisdom teeth pain go away on its own?

In most cases, once wisdom teeth become painful, the symptoms tend to worsen rather than improve. In fact, ignoring wisdom tooth pain may lead to more serious oral health concerns. When third molars remain partially or fully impacted, they create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of infection and gum disease. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may also contribute to:

• Cysts or lumps in the jawbone
• Tooth decay due to trapped food and bacteria
• Damage to adjacent teeth from pressure and misalignment

Removing problematic wisdom teeth early can help prevent these issues and protect dental health.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

At Kansas City Surgical Arts, wisdom tooth extractions are performed with patient comfort as a priority. Depending on the complexity of the case, local anesthesia, oral-conscious sedation, or IV sedation may be used to minimize discomfort. If the wisdom teeth are impacted or deeply embedded in the jawbone, an excision approach may be required. Generally speaking, wisdom tooth extraction for impacted wisdom teeth follows these primary steps:

• A small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the tooth
• The wisdom tooth is gently loosened, and, if necessary, divided into smaller sections for easier removal
• The extraction site is cleaned, and sutures may be placed to support healing

What is recovery like after wisdom tooth extraction?

Following wisdom tooth extraction, patients will receive detailed postoperative care instructions to promote healing and reduce discomfort. Common wisdom tooth removal recovery recommendations include:

• Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Eating soft foods and avoiding straws to prevent dry socket
• Keeping the mouth clean with gentle rinsing and proper oral hygiene
• Avoiding strenuous activities for a few days

Most patients experience significant improvement within a week, with healing taking a few weeks. While some pain and discomfort are normal almost immediately following the procedure, patients should notice a continuous improvement in their symptoms. Should you notice new or worsening pain, or if you feel that your primary wisdom tooth pain has not resolved following extraction, don't hesitate to call our office to schedule a follow-up as soon as possible.

Get rapid pain relief and restore oral health with wisdom tooth removal in Kansas City, MO

If persistent wisdom tooth pain is affecting your daily life, removal may be the ideal solution to restore your comfort and prevent future complications. At Kansas City Surgical Arts, Dr. Matthew Hlavacek and our team are here to provide wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions tailored to each patient's needs. To learn more about your options and schedule a consultation for Kansas City, MO wisdom tooth extraction, contact our office today.