Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure, but it can sometimes lead to serious complications, including jaw pain and life-threatening infections. Many people experience “wisdom tooth causing jaw pain” either before extraction or after the procedure due to complications like infections, nerve damage, or delayed healing.
Lemierre’s Syndrome: A Rare and Dangerous Infection
Lemierre’s Syndrome starts as an infection in the head and neck region, which then spreads to the parapharyngeal space in the throat. The infection reaches the internal jugular vein, where it causes thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the vein) and the formation of septic emboli—infected blood clots that can travel to other organs, leading to severe complications.
Although rare, Lemierre’s Syndrome typically affects young, healthy adults, often those undergoing wisdom tooth extractions. Surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics are usually necessary for treatment.
Symptoms of Lemierre’s Syndrome
- High fever
- Severe neck pain
- Swelling in the throat or jaw
- Difficulty swallowing
If left untreated, Lemierre’s Syndrome can cause blood infections (sepsis), organ failure, and strokes. Mortality rates range from 0% to 18%, even with prompt treatment.
A 17-year-old girl nearly died from Lemierre’s Syndrome after having her wisdom teeth removed. She suffered multiple strokes and was left in a paralyzed state due to the infection.
Ludwig’s Angina: A Rapidly Spreading Jaw and Neck Infection
Ludwig’s Angina is a severe bacterial infection that spreads quickly in the floor of the mouth and the submandibular region (below the jaw). It is often caused by infected or impacted wisdom teeth that were not removed in time, but it can also develop after an extraction if bacteria enter the tissues under the jaw (mandible).
Symptoms of Ludwig’s Angina
- Severe jaw pain and swelling
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Drooling due to pain and swelling
- High fever (above 103°F or 39.5°C)
If left untreated, Ludwig’s Angina can lead to asphyxiation (suffocation) and death. Treatment includes:
- IV antibiotics
- Surgical decompression (drainage) of infected areas
- In severe cases, a tracheotomy (breathing tube in the neck) may be necessary
Case Studies of Ludwig’s Angina
- A 29-year-old woman returned to the emergency room four days after wisdom tooth extraction with severe jaw pain, swelling, and a fever of 103.6°F (39.8°C). She needed IV antibiotics, a tracheotomy, and surgical drainage of the infected tissue. She remained hospitalized for eight days before being discharged.
- A 21-year-old man developed head, throat, and chest swelling after wisdom tooth extraction and required hospitalization.
- A woman in 1993 had severe pain four days after extraction. One week later, she was in intensive care with a massive jaw and throat infection. She was hospitalized for six days and underwent surgery. Years later, she still suffered from numbness in her jaw and speech difficulties due to nerve damage.
A fatal case of Ludwig’s Angina occurred when a man died after developing the infection following the removal of all four wisdom teeth.
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 Ludwig’s Angina.
- Nerve Involvement – The trigeminal nerve, which runs through the jaw, can be affected by wisdom tooth growth or extraction, causing long-term pain.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Stress – 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 important to consult a dentist or oral surgeon immediately to prevent complications.
While wisdom tooth extractions are routine, they can sometimes lead to serious complications, including:
- Lemierre’s Syndrome – A rare blood infection caused by bacteria spreading from the wisdom tooth to the jugular vein.
- Ludwig’s Angina – A rapidly spreading infection in the jaw and throat that can lead to breathing difficulties and death.
- Persistent jaw pain – Due to impacted teeth, nerve damage, or TMJ issues.
Early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention can prevent severe health risks. If you experience worsening pain, swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing after a wisdom tooth extraction, seek immediate medical attention.
