Why Do Other Teeth Hurt After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

After having wisdom teeth extracted, other teeth may experience pain?

Hello doctor, it's been over a week since I had my wisdom teeth removed.
The extraction site itself isn't very painful, but the teeth on the same side, both upper and lower, are hurting.
What could be happening?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/05

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

A week after wisdom tooth extraction, the wound itself is not very painful, but the upper and lower teeth on the same side are still painful.
This may be due to the extraction site not fully healing, causing sensitivity or pain in the adjacent teeth when exposed to hot or cold.
There may also be periodontal issues or cavities in the neighboring teeth.
It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination.

Reply Date: 2016/05/05

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it's not uncommon for adjacent teeth to experience discomfort or pain, even if the extraction site itself feels fine. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors related to the surgical procedure and the healing process.

Firstly, the extraction of a wisdom tooth, especially if it was impacted or required surgical intervention, can create trauma not only to the tooth being removed but also to the surrounding tissues. The surgical process often involves cutting through soft tissue and possibly removing some bone, which can lead to inflammation in the area. This inflammation can extend to neighboring teeth, causing them to feel sore or sensitive.

Secondly, the extraction site can alter the bite dynamics. When a tooth is removed, the way your upper and lower teeth come together (occlusion) may change. If the remaining teeth are not aligning properly due to the absence of the wisdom tooth, it can lead to discomfort when biting or chewing. This misalignment can cause the adjacent teeth to bear more pressure than they are accustomed to, resulting in pain.

Another factor to consider is the possibility of referred pain. The nerves in the jaw are interconnected, and pain signals can sometimes be misinterpreted by the brain, leading to discomfort in teeth that are not directly involved in the extraction. This is particularly true if the extraction was complicated or if there was significant manipulation of the surrounding tissues.

Additionally, if there was pre-existing dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, in the teeth adjacent to the extracted wisdom tooth, the stress of the extraction could exacerbate these conditions, leading to pain. It's also worth noting that if the extraction site becomes infected, it can lead to increased sensitivity and discomfort in nearby teeth.

In your case, since you mentioned that the extraction was over a week ago and the extraction site itself is not painful, it would be advisable to monitor the situation. If the pain in the adjacent teeth persists or worsens, it would be prudent to consult your dentist or oral surgeon. They may want to perform an examination, possibly including X-rays, to rule out any complications such as dry socket, infection, or issues with the adjacent teeth.

In summary, pain in other teeth after wisdom tooth extraction can be due to inflammation, changes in occlusion, referred pain, or exacerbation of pre-existing dental issues. If the discomfort continues, seeking professional advice is essential to ensure proper healing and address any underlying problems.

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