How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Usually Last?
The following guide may help you understand wisdom tooth growing pain:
Typical Pain During Eruption (3–7 Days)
Mild pain lasts a few days to a week when wisdom teeth erupt properly. Symptoms might consist of:
- Slight swelling in the gums
- Periodic dull pains
- Slight gum enlargement
Solution: Salt water rinse, Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers, and cold compress.
Misaligned or Impacted Wisdom Teeth (Weeks or Months)
Wisdom teeth may become impacted (stuck under gums or bone) if they don’t have enough room. Until it is addressed, pain may recur periodically or last for weeks. Symptoms may include:
- An excruciating pain that becomes worse
- Odor or bad taste (indication of illness)
- Gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding
Pericoronitis or Infection (1-2 Weeks with Treatment)
Bacteria can become trapped in a gum flap covering a partly erupted tooth, leading to pericoronitis (infection). Pain persists if therapy is not received.
Dental care required:
- Antibiotics for infections
- Expert cleaning
- Potential extraction
Factors Affecting Wisdom Tooth Pain
The following factors may affect the longevity of your wisdom tooth pain:
- Tooth Position: Wisdom teeth that are straight and positioned correctly usually only cause temporary discomfort (3–7 days). Until corrected, impacted or misaligned teeth can cause chronic discomfort that lasts for weeks to months.
- Dental Care: Inadequate brushing and flossing raise the risk of illness by fostering the growth of germs. If left untreated, infections such as pericoronitis can cause discomfort for one to two weeks or more.
- Age: Patients in their teens or early 20s typically recover more quickly and experience fewer problems. Since their jawbones are heavier and have a poorer potential for healing, older folks may recover more slowly.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Both slow the healing process by decreasing blood supply to the gums. Additionally, smoking raises the risk of dry socket after extraction, and alcohol can have negative interactions with painkillers.
When to See a Dentist?
Visit your dentist immediately if you experience the following:
- Excruciating, continuous pain
- Abscess symptoms, such as fever or pus
- The inability to fully open your mouth
- Face or neck swelling
