Wisdom teeth grow in different spots in the mouth, making it uncomfortable for many people. As these teeth come in, they often cause pain or pressure, especially if there isn’t enough room for them to grow correctly. These are the third set of molars that seem near the end of teenage or early mid-twenties, between 17 and 25.
But how many days or weeks can the people experiencing the pain due to the growth of these teeth take? On the other hand, what can be done about the pain? This blog contains all the information you’ll ever need regarding the pain of a wisdom tooth, the duration of the pain, and the time you will require extraction of the teeth.
What Is Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Pain in the wisdom teeth is usually felt when these teeth start to erupt through the gum. This process, known as “eruption,” can be painful and causes inflammation and pressure in the adjacent zones. As a result, the pain can be as mild as the period after a mild gym session or as severe as an extended period of pain after a severe injury.
Third molars are typically non-essential teeth, and many patients lack enough space for their proper eruption, creating problems such as impaction, decaying, or misalignment. This is why many people develop wisdom tooth pain during the development stage, and in some cases, they require wisdom teeth removal.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Growing Pain Last?
The times that people can experience wisdom tooth pain also differ from one another. Some people might only feel uncomfortable for a few days, while others struggle for weeks or months. It is a common experience that the severest pain lasts when the tooth is growing through the gum, which may be from a few days to a few weeks.
People can have their wisdom teeth come in in stages, meaning that sometimes when you get pain, there will be a time when it subsides. However, the growth process could take more than one or two years. The discomfort may persist at this stage, particularly when the teeth erupt through the gum.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of how long wisdom tooth pain might last:
- Initial discomfort: When the teeth begin to push through, you might experience mild pain for a few days.
- Eruption -Phase: The pain could become more intense during the eruption phase, lasting several days to a few weeks.
- Healing Phase: After the tooth has fully erupted, the pain generally subsides, but you may experience sensitivity in the area for a while.
Suppose the pain lasts for a few weeks or worsens over time. In that case, it may indicate complications, such as impaction or infection, which often require professional attention or wisdom teeth removal.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction
These teeth also, on occasion, become impacted, which may result in pain that is worse than a typical low-grade inflammation. If the teeth become impacted or there is not enough room for the teeth to grow through in the mouth, then it can become severe. Here are some signs that you might need a wisdom tooth extraction:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain persists after the teeth have erupted through the gum, it may signify impaction or an infection.
- Swollen Gums: Swollen gums that do not recede or become more swollen are another sign that may indicate an infection. They can also cause a bad taste in the mouth.
- Jaw Pain or Stiffness: Symptoms such as an inability to open your mouth or stiffness in your jaw could be signs that something is wrong with your jaw alignment due to your impacted wisdom teeth.
- Headaches or Earaches: The pressure from the erupting third molars can sometimes be felt at other locations in the head, like the ears.
- Shifting Teeth: The leading cause of wisdom teeth not having enough room to grow is causing other teeth to shift position, leading to crowded, crooked teeth.
If you develop any of the signs mentioned above, it is advisable to visit a dentist. In this case, the dentist may advise removing the wisdom teeth to avoid worsening the situation.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain
Here are some practical tips you can practice while waiting for your wisdom teeth to emerge fully or if you’re not yet ready for removal. These tips are helpful to many:
- Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken for pain relief.
- Cold Compress: One home remedy for ankle sprains is using an ice pack to reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
- Saltwater Rinse: This is advised to wash the area and minimize the chances of a microbial infection.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing will ensure the area is clean to minimize the chances of getting an infection that will worsen the pain.
If home remedies do not help or the pain increases, you should consult a dentist. In some cases, the only way to continue and reduce chronic pain is to remove the wisdom teeth.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Should your dentist decide you need the wisdom teeth removed, this is a standard procedure, mainly if done before signs of issues occur. This encompasses the extraction of one or more third molars that pose a problem, given that they may be impacted, infected, or asymmetrical.
Here’s What To Expect During The Procedure:
- Preparation: You will be given a local anesthetic for the operation, and you may be given sedation also in some cases.
- Extraction: In the case of impacted teeth, the dentist or oral surgeon will have to make a small cut in the gum. They shall then clear the tooth holistically or segmented, depending on the extent of damage to the surrounding tissues.
- Post-Extraction Care: Depending on the type of extraction, you will be prescribed certain things that you must or must not do, eat or avoid, apply ice packs, etc., for the first few hours as you recover.
The recovery process usually takes seven to fourteen days in situations where there are no complications. Most people feel soreness at this time, and this can easily be alleviated by taking some paracetamol and following your dentist’s post-operative instructions. Following a wisdom tooth extraction, you should start to feel much more comfortable, with the pain and swelling reducing in the following few days.
When to See a Dentist
While wisdom tooth pain can be a regular part of the growing process, there are times when you should seek professional help. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist:
- Severe, prolonged pain that doesn’t go away
- Difficulty eating or talking due to jaw stiffness or pain
- Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or a bad taste in the mouth
- Teeth shifting or crowding
If you have any of these signs, it is advisable to seek the services of your dentist before the worst happens, such as impacted teeth or an infection, which may lead to the removal of the wisdom teeth.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth pain can be frustrating, but understanding how long it typically lasts and when to seek help can make the process more manageable. While the pain can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, it often resolves once the teeth have erupted. However, if complications like impaction or infection occur, you may need to consider wisdom tooth extraction.
Always consult your dentist if the pain is severe or lasts longer than expected. They can guide you on whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary to prevent further problems. If you require professional dental care, including wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions, contact Northeast View Dental at https://northeastviewdental.ca/ today for a consultation. Don’t let wisdom tooth pain disrupt your life any longer!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last?
Wisdom tooth pain can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how quickly the teeth erupt and whether there are any complications like impaction or infection. If the pain persists beyond a few weeks or worsens, it’s essential to consult a dentist.
2. What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
The pressure and inflammation cause wisdom tooth pain as the teeth push through the gums. In some cases, wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly, leading to impaction or infections, which can increase discomfort.
3. When Should I Consider Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
You should consider wisdom tooth extraction if you experience prolonged or severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection or if your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing crowding in your other teeth. Your dentist can help determine if extraction is necessary.
4. How Painful Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Most people experience minimal pain during a wisdom tooth extraction since the area is numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation is often available. Some discomfort and swelling are expected after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
5. How Long Is The Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. You may experience swelling, mild discomfort, and limited jaw mobility during this time, but these symptoms should subside within a few days. Following aftercare instructions from your dentist is essential to ensure proper healing.
6. Can Wisdom Tooth Pain Come And Go?
Yes, wisdom tooth pain can come and go, especially during the initial stages of eruption. You might experience periods of discomfort as the teeth push through the gums, followed by intervals of relief. However, recurring or worsening pain could be a sign of complications.
7. Can I Prevent Wisdom Tooth Pain?
While you can’t always prevent wisdom tooth pain, maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relief can help manage the discomfort. If your wisdom teeth are causing persistent issues, your dentist may recommend removing them to prevent future problems.