Wisdom tooth pain can be extremely uncomfortable, distracting, and sometimes quite severe. One of the most common questions patients ask is, “How long will wisdom teeth pain last?”
The most honest answer a professional dentist will give is, it depends on the cause of the pain and how quickly it is treated.
Let’s begin by understanding what wisdom teeth are.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For a few people, they grow in without any problems. For most others, they can cause swelling, infection, crowding or persistent discomfort.
If your wisdom tooth is simply erupting through the gums, you may feel tenderness or pressure at the back of your mouth. This type of pain can last a few days to upto a week. It may often come and go as the tooth slowly pushes through the gum tissue while erupting out.
During this stage, the discomfort is usually manageable with good oral hygiene and mild pain relief. However, if the area becomes swollen or difficult to clean, bacteria can accumulate and lead to infection.
Pericoronitis (Gum Infection Around the Tooth)
One of the most common causes of wisdom tooth pain is a condition called pericoronitis. This is a very heavy dentistry term, so let’s break it down for you. Simply put, this occurs when part of the tooth is trapped under the gum, creating a flap that collects food and bacteria, which is the exact reason for the infection.
Pain from pericoronitis can last several days and may worsen without a professional dental intervention. You might also see these severe signs like swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, bad breath or a foul taste. In some cases, the infection can spread and cause more serious complications.
This pain may return repeatedly, without professional treatment. A dentist can clean the area, prescribe medication if need be, and advise whether a wisdom teeth extraction is the best long-term solution.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If a wisdom tooth does not have enough space to fully erupt, it may become impacted. Impacted teeth can press against neighbouring teeth, irritate nerves or cause inflammation.
Pain from an impacted wisdom tooth can last weeks or even months if left unattended. It often presents as a dull ache that gradually becomes more intense. Some patients experience jaw stiffness, headaches or ear pain as well.
In these cases, the discomfort usually does not resolve on its own. Removal of the impacted tooth is often recommended to prevent ongoing problems. Visit a professional dentist in Maroubra before you take any severe action on an impacted tooth.
How Long Does It Take For Wisdom Teeth To Stop Hurting?
You may experience relief from wisdom teeth pain once:
- Your wisdom teeth are fully emerged and have settled into their proper positions.
- The infection around your wisdom teeth has been resolved.
- An impacted tooth has been extracted.
Without addressing the root cause of your discomfort, wisdom tooth pain may continue or return in cycles.
Which comes back to our question that most people have but no one ever seems to want to give anything to: “How long do you wait until you call a dentist?”
Make an appointment with your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Persistent pain that lasts longer than 48 hours
- Increased swelling in the area
- Fever or difficulty in swallowing
- Pain interfering with sleep or diet
Early dental treatment could help prevent complications and may reduce the need for extensive treatment.
If you think you have persistent tooth pain due to your wisdom teeth, book an appointment with your dentist for an examination. Getting in early may provide comfort and safety for your oral health.
At Gentle and Caring Dentistry, we assess wisdom teeth carefully and provide personalised treatment options to ensure your comfort and long-term dental health.
Related read:Wisdom Teeth: When to Watch, When to Remove?
