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 permanently
solve 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 Finance
options.
Call (856) 638-5266 for a personalized cost estimate.
What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Days 1-3 (Cool, Soft Foods Only):
- Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Smoothies (NO STRAWS)
- Cold soups (gazpacho, cucumber)
- Ice cream (no nuts/chunks)
- Room-temperature mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs (cooled)
- Pudding, jello
Days 4-7 (Slightly Warm, Soft Foods):
- Warm oatmeal
- Well-cooked pasta
- Baked fish
- Mashed avocado
- Warm (not hot) soup
Foods to AVOID for 7-14 Days:
Crunchy foods (chips, popcorn, nuts, granola)
Sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummies)
Very hot temperature foods and drinks
Spicy foods (irritates healing tissue)
Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes)
Alcohol (delays healing)
Small seeds (raspberries, sesame)
Straws for at least 10 days
FAQ
Yes, sometimes. Lying down increases blood flow to your head, which can worsen swelling and pressure around impacted wisdom teeth. This is why many patients notice more pain at night.
Not always — but regular dental checkups and X-rays help catch problems early. Some patients may benefit from preventive extraction before problems develop.
Untreated wisdom teeth pain can last weeks or months, coming and going. After extraction, most patients feel significantly better within 3-7 days.
Yes. When impacted wisdom teeth shift other teeth or affect your bite alignment, they can strain your jaw joint (TMJ), causing clicking, popping, or chronic jaw pain.
Simple extractions take 20-30 minutes. Complex surgical extractions (impacted teeth) may take 45-60 minutes per tooth.
It depends on the complexity. Simple extractions are done with local anesthesia (you’re awake but numb). Complex cases may require sedation or general anesthesia.
With PPO dental insurance covering 50-80%, expect to pay $50-$300 out of pocket per tooth. Without insurance, costs range from $200-$900 per tooth depending on complexity.
Dry socket is when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges. Prevent it by avoiding straws, smoking, spitting, and alcohol for the first 72 hours. Call immediately if you experience worsening pain 2-5 days after extraction.
About the Author
Dr. Aliya Khan, DDS is a Columbia University-trained dentist and
the founder of Moorestown Smile Center in Moorestown, NJ. With
20+ years of experience in cosmetic and family dentistry, she
has helped hundreds of patients achieve brighter, healthier
smiles. Voted Best Dental Practice in Burlington County in
2024 and 2025. Learn more →