Wisdom tooth pain

If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, tenderness at the back of your mouth, or difficulty opening your jaw fully — your wisdom teeth might be the culprit. It’s one of the most common causes of jaw pain in adults aged 17-35. Short answer: Yes, wisdom teeth can absolutely cause jaw pain— especially when they’re impacted, partially erupted, or infected. The pain usually starts subtle and progresses over days or weeks. In this article, Dr. Aliya Khan, DDS — a Columbia University-trained dentist and founder of Moorestown Smile Center in NJ — walks you through the signs to watch for, what causes wisdom teeth pain, when you should see a dentist (vs handle it at home), and how wisdom tooth extraction can permanentlysolve the problem. Let’s start with the basics. When to See a Dentist Urgently! 🚨 Severe swelling that’s spreading to your face or neck🚨 Difficulty swallowing or breathing (this is a medical emergency)🚨 Fever above 101°F — indicates active infection🚨 Pus or bad taste in your mouth🚨 Trismus — inability to open your mouth more than 20mm🚨 Severe pain not helped by ibuprofen or acetaminophen Some wisdom tooth pain requires immediate care. Call Moorestown Smile Center at (856) 638-5266 today (or seek emergency care) if you have: These are signs of active infection or complications that need immediate treatment. Ignoring them can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization. How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost? Cost varies based on how complex the extraction is: Typical Cost Ranges in New Jersey: Type of Extraction Typical Cost (Per Tooth) Simple (fully erupted, standard removal) $200 – $400 Surgical (partially erupted) $300 – $600 Impacted (soft tissue) $400 – $700 Fully bony impaction (surgical) $600 – $900 Does Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Removal? Yes — most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of wisdom tooth extraction when it’s medically necessary. At Moorestown Smile Center, we verify your benefits before your appointment. If you don’t have insurance, we offer CareCredit and Proceed Financeoptions. Call (856) 638-5266 for a personalized cost estimate. What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal Days 1-3 (Cool, Soft Foods Only): Days 4-7 (Slightly Warm, Soft Foods): Foods to AVOID for 7-14 Days: Crunchy foods (chips, popcorn, nuts, granola)Sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummies)Very hot temperature foods and drinksSpicy foods (irritates healing tissue)Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes)Alcohol (delays healing)Small seeds (raspberries, sesame)Straws for at least 10 days FAQ About the Author Dr. Aliya Khan, DDS is a Columbia University-trained dentist andthe founder of Moorestown Smile Center in Moorestown, NJ. With20+ years of experience in cosmetic and family dentistry, shehas helped hundreds of patients achieve brighter, healthiersmiles. Voted Best Dental Practice in Burlington County in2024 and 2025. Learn more →