While wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure, it can sometimes lead to serious complications, including jaw pain, infections, and even neurological conditions. Many people experience “wisdom tooth causing jaw pain” before or after extraction due to infections, abscesses, or nerve damage.
Orbital Cellulitis and Periorbital Abscess
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection of the muscles and tissues around the eye, often caused by sinus infections. However, in some cases, wisdom tooth extraction can trigger an infection that spreads to the orbital and periorbital regions, leading to an orbital abscess.
Case Studies of Orbital Abscess After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- A 57-year-old man developed fever, pain, facial redness (erythema), eye swelling (edema), and eye displacement (proptosis) five days after wisdom tooth extraction. A CT scan and MRI confirmed a subperiosteal abscess, requiring surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics. After one month, the infection had resolved.
- A 21-year-old patient experienced severe swelling near the eye five days after having all four wisdom teeth removed. A CT scan diagnosed an orbital abscess, which was surgically drained under anesthesia. After three weeks, swelling and eye displacement had resolved.
How Wisdom Tooth Extraction Can Lead to an Orbital Abscess
The infection may travel from the extracted wisdom tooth site to the maxilla, through the infratemporal fossa, and into the orbital space. If left untreated, orbital cellulitis can lead to vision loss or life-threatening complications.
Subdural Empyema: A Dangerous Brain Infection
Subdural empyema is a severe infection that spreads to the subdural space of the brain, causing an accumulation of pus between the dura mater and arachnoid membrane. This can result in brain swelling, neurological symptoms, and even death if untreated.
Symptoms of Subdural Empyema
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Facial weakness or paralysis
- Seizures
Case Study of Subdural Empyema After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A 21-year-old man developed right-sided facial paralysis four days after having his wisdom teeth removed. Two days later, he was admitted to the hospital with vomiting, facial swelling, trismus (locked jaw), and a high fever of 102°F (38.9°C).
- A CT scan detected an abscess, which was surgically drained.
- Despite antibiotic treatment, his condition worsened—he developed severe headaches, vomiting, drowsiness, and seizures.
- An MRI scan revealed fluid in the right subdural space, indicating subdural empyema.
- He underwent an emergency craniotomy to drain the infection.
Without rapid intervention, subdural empyema can cause brain damage, coma, or death.
Epidural Abscess: A Spinal Cord Infection
An epidural abscess occurs when an infection spreads to the space between the skull or spine and the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord.
Case Study of Epidural Abscess After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A 20-year-old woman developed throat pain three days after wisdom tooth removal under general anesthesia.
- Nine days later, she experienced progressive paralysis, first affecting her right arm and leg, then spreading to her left side.
- An MRI scan revealed an epidural abscess near the C4-C5 vertebrae in her spinal cord.
- She was treated with intravenous antibiotics and underwent neurosurgical drainage and spinal decompression.
- While she regained movement in her left arm and leg, she remained partially paralyzed on her right side.
This case highlights how a simple wisdom tooth extraction can lead to severe spinal infections, potentially causing permanent neurological damage.
Why Does a Wisdom Tooth Cause Jaw Pain?
Many people experience jaw pain from wisdom teeth due to:
- Impaction – When the tooth does not fully emerge and gets trapped under the gum, causing pain and swelling.
- Infection – Bacteria can accumulate around partially erupted wisdom teeth, leading to abscesses or serious infections like subdural empyema or Ludwig’s angina.
- Nerve Damage – The trigeminal nerve, which runs through the jaw, can be affected by wisdom tooth growth or extraction, leading to chronic jaw pain or numbness.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Issues – Wisdom teeth press against the jawbone, leading to joint pain and muscle tension.
If you experience persistent jaw pain from a wisdom tooth, it’s crucial to consult a dentist or oral surgeon immediately to prevent complications.
Conclusion
While wisdom tooth extractions are routine, they can sometimes lead to serious complications, including:
- Orbital cellulitis and abscesses – Infections that spread to the eye socket, leading to swelling, vision problems, and possible blindness.
- Subdural empyema – A life-threatening brain infection that can cause paralysis, seizures, or coma.
- Epidural abscess – A spinal infection that can result in permanent paralysis.
- Jaw pain – Due to impacted teeth, nerve damage, or TMJ issues.
Early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention are crucial to prevent severe health risks. If you experience worsening pain, swelling, fever, vision changes, or neurological symptoms after a wisdom tooth extraction, seek immediate medical attention.
