People Ask: How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last?

Wisdom Teeth: What Are They?

Between the ages of 17 and 25, many teens and young adults experience wisdom tooth emergence. The term “wisdom teeth” refers to the four extra molars that emerge behind the second molars. Hence, people also refer to them as third molars.

Emerging wisdom tooth usually come with a myriad of discomforting experiences: swollen or bleeding gums, jaw discomfort, pain and added difficulty when opening the mouth or chewing, bad breath, etc.

Just like we mentioned earlier, some people do not experience the wisdom teeth emergence at all, while others experience complications during the process.

In order to know how long wisdom tooth pain lasts, you should note the signs of its emergence. During the period of its emergence, you would notice the tenderness of the gums around the back of your mouth.

Then, the tooth will start poking through the gums. This is the most painful period of the entire experience, as the gum becomes sore and difficult to keep clean. If you do not manage this process properly, the inflamed gum can catch an infection, leading to even more discomfort.

How Long Does This Pain Last?

Generally, wisdom teeth fully form between 9 months and a year or even several years. How long wisdom tooth pain lasts usually depends on the individual, as you can expect to feel some discomfort throughout this period. But, as a general guideline, if you experience pains lasting longer than 7 to 10 days, it is important to inform a dentist, as there might be some complications with the emergence.

What Are the Complications That Can Arise?

Although wisdom teeth naturally form and emerge by themselves, there are cases where you might experience some complications. A common complication is impacted wisdom teeth. This occurs when the wisdom teeth emerge and grow over other teeth as they emerge. A key cause of this is a lack of adequate spacing behind the second molars.

The wisdom tooth comes out at an angle that pushes against other teeth or does not come out fully. Impacted wisdom teeth are quite discomforting, as they can grow backwards, away from the teeth, or horizontally, flat in the gums. These increase the risk of inflammation, which, if infected, can lead to further complications like gum diseases, sores, and tooth decay.

In this case, the pain of an impacted wisdom tooth lasts continually until a dentist addresses it. That is why it is important to consult your dentist if you experience prolonged pain during wisdom tooth emergence.

What To Do If You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Although this can be painful, there is nothing to worry about. If you experience prolonged symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, consult your dentist immediately. After the consultation, your dentist may schedule some x-rays to assess properly the extent of impaction.

Then, you may need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction to remove the wisdom tooth completely, saving your other teeth and preserving your smile’s integrity. Yes, this procedure may hurt for some time, but the advantages outweigh the repercussions of allowing the impacted teeth to thrive.

How Do I Treat Wisdom Teeth Pain?

Generally, wisdom teeth pain occurs sporadically throughout its emergence. However, this does not mean you cannot alleviate the discomfort. Here are some things you can do to reduce pain and discomfort:

Over-the-counter pain relief: You could purchase over-the-counter pain relief drugs. Be sure to consult with your dentist on the type of drug best suited for your treatment and the required dosage.

Saltwater rinse: Another method to relieve pain and guard against infection is to rinse your mouth gently with diluted saltwater regularly.

Gently brushing and flossing the teeth also helps reduce irritation and pain.

Chew away from the affected region.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction at Quinte Smiles

Here at Quinte Smiles, we carry out expert wisdom teeth extraction. Once you schedule a consultation, our dentist in Belleville will discuss and address your concerns and questions. Answering questions like, How long does wisdom tooth pain last? What should I do to treat wisdom tooth pain? to provide information about the wisdom tooth extraction process.

Additionally, we provide quality aftercare tips and options to help guide and hasten your recovery. Our dental office is comfortable and welcoming to everyone, so rest assured that your dental needs and wellbeing are our topmost priority.

Get a Pain-Free Smile Today

Never have to worry again about how long wisdom tooth pain lasts. With Quinte Smiles, you can address all your concerns about wisdom teeth, their emergence, and the extraction process. Let us help you smile again, pain-free! Contact us today.