Do you know about wisdom teeth and how long does wisdom teeth pain lasts? Also referred to as third molars, wisdom teeth are the last to burst through the gums-the process which occurs between the ages of 17 and 25. While many individuals are not troubled by wisdom teeth, others experience a lot of painful swelling and discomfort before or after the eruption. These kinds of pains of the wisdom teeth tend to vary according to their cause and treatment. This article illuminates the reasons for pain originating in the wisdom tooth, the length of time the pain is supposed to last, the symptoms you need to look for, and what occurs during recovery after extraction.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Because of the hindrance to their growth and development, wisdom teeth often become problematic. Being blocked from erupting fully, or because of an erroneous angulation, is a form of impaction. Here are the causes of the pain:
1. Impaction
The unerupted wisdom tooth causes pressure pain and sometimes infection on adjacent teeth, bone, or soft tissues.
2. Eruption Through the Gums
There can be inflammation and soreness of each gum when the wisdom teeth are eroding through it-especially in case of lack of space in the oral cavity.
3. Crowding
When there is no space for the wisdom teeth, they may force the others out of alignment and thus lead to pain or discomfort in the jaw.
4. Infection
Partially erupted teeth trap food and bacteria and cause an infection of the gum known as pericoronitis, which is very painful.
5. Cysts or Tooth Decay
Impacted teeth can cause cysts in the jaw or decay in adjacent teeth, which leads to more pain and dental problems.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Pain Last?
Variability of wisdom tooth pain duration depends on numerous factors, such as whether the teeth emerge normally or are impacted, and the presence of an associated infection.
If Erupting Normally:
Pain can be expected to last for some days or weeks, with over-the-counter pain medications and saline rinses usually having some effect to keep the pain down. If you’re asking how long does wisdom teeth growing in pain last, expect temporary symptoms unless complications arise.
If Impacted or Infected:
In such cases, pain may persist for several weeks or return frequently. In these situations, emergency wisdom tooth removal may be recommended to relieve ongoing symptoms.
After Extraction:
If you’ve recently had your tooth removed and are wondering how long does pain last after wisdom teeth removal, here’s what to expect: pain is worse in the first 24-72 hours after the operation and diminishes thereafter. Recovery time depends mainly on how complicated the extraction was and can take up to 2 weeks.
Worst Day of Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Most patients report that the worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction is day 2 or day 3. Here’s why:
- Accumulation of inflammation around the surgical site
- Jaw stiffness from keeping the mouth open during the surgery
- The body’s healing process causes localized tenderness.
If you’re thinking, how long does the pain of wisdom teeth removal last?—note that it starts to ease up after day 3 and improves steadily with proper care.
Common Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
First, there should be early recognition of symptoms of the eruption of wisdom teeth, wherein treatment would be carried out until complications arose. Common symptoms include:
- Local throbbing pain in the region of the back part of the jaw
- Swelling of the gums or cheeks
- Difficulty fully opening the mouth
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Bleeding at the gums near the erupting tooth
- Headache or earache (referred cases)
- Pain while chewing or biting
If these symptoms persist, seek a professional dental evaluation. Ignoring signs can lead to infections requiring emergency wisdom tooth removal.
Pain Relief Tips for Wisdom Teeth
If a slight or moderate pain comes in because of the wisdom tooth and there is no urgent need to be extracted, then some relief measures could be employed:
1. Salt Water Rinse
Warm salt water keeps bacteria out while soothing gum tissues.
2. Over-the-Counter Medication
For inflammation and pain, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken.
3. Cold Compress
A cold pack applied on your outer cheek will soothe the swelling and numb the pain.
4. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, which acts as a natural anesthetic and antimicrobial substance.
5. Soft Diet
Give preference to eating soft, non-acidic foods that aren’t irritating to the affected area.
These remedies are just temporary. When the pain persists or gets worse, the root should be drilled out.
Recovery Timeline After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Here is a general timeline of what you may expect in the recovery period after wisdom tooth removal surgery:
Day 1-2: Bleeding slows and stops. Increasing swelling and pain.
Day 3: Maximum swelling and most painful day for the majority of the sufferers.
Day 4-5: Decreasing swelling and aching.
One Week: Stitch removal, if applicable, and being able to return to light activities.
Two Weeks: Healing is mostly complete; however, it may require a little tenderness.
It is advisable to closely follow your dentist’s advice in order to avoid complications such as dry socket, a very painful condition caused when the blood clot in the extraction site either gets dislodged or fails to form.
When to Call a Dentist
- Expect to hear severe pain or increasing pain that has lasted the past 3 days,
- Persistent bleeding after more than 24 hours,
- A high fever accompanied by chills,
- A foul smell or taste coming from the extraction area,
- Pus or anything that looks like an infection.
- Serious complications can be staved off by prompt treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. How long can we say one feels wisdom tooth pain before the extraction?
Slight pain induced by erupting wisdom teeth may last a couple of days. However, if it is an impacted and infected type, then the torment will continue till either it is treated or removed.
2. When does the worst pain come after a wisdom tooth extraction?
Most patients say that after days two or three, the pain is at its peak and then subsides.
3. How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?
Common signs and symptoms of infections are swelling, foul odor, discharge of pus, fever, and increased pain. You must request the dentist’s immediate help.
4. Can I treat the pain of a wisdom tooth by myself?
While you can use saltwater rinses, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate the agony profanely for some time if pain persists it needs to be treated professionally.
5. Should all wisdom teeth be removed?
Not necessarily. If wisdom teeth erupt normally and do not cause pain or crowding, they should be retained. Regular review is advisable.
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