Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge. They typically appear between 17 and 25, at the very back of the mouth. While some individuals have no issues, wisdom teeth often cause discomfort and problems due to limited jaw space. This lack of space often leads to various dental issues, prompting many to seek professional care.
Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Pain from wisdom teeth before extraction can stem from several issues. One common cause is impaction, where the tooth cannot fully emerge through the gum or jawbone. Impaction can occur in various ways, such as being angled or horizontally trapped. This misalignment can exert pressure on adjacent teeth or the jawbone, resulting in discomfort.
Another frequent source of pain is pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. When a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gum, it creates a flap of tissue that can trap food particles and bacteria. This trapped debris leads to infection, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes a foul taste or pus discharge.
Crowding caused by erupting wisdom teeth can place pressure on surrounding teeth, leading to soreness or misalignment. Difficulty cleaning these hard-to-reach teeth also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can cause significant pain.
Pain Duration Without Extraction
When wisdom teeth are not removed, the pain is often intermittent rather than constant. This discomfort can manifest as “flare-ups” that may last from a few days to several weeks. The pain tends to come and go, depending on factors such as inflammation, infection, or the tooth’s continued attempt to shift position. For instance, if pain is due to the tooth pushing through gums, it might subside as the tooth erupts further, only to return if it encounters new obstructions.
Pain from impaction, infection like pericoronitis, or cyst formation requires dental intervention as it is unlikely to resolve on its own. Without treatment, these issues can lead to chronic discomfort, lasting for weeks or even months. The pain may also worsen over time, persisting unless addressed by a dentist.
Healing and Pain After Extraction
Following wisdom tooth extraction, the healing process involves a predictable timeline for pain and recovery. The initial acute pain phase is most intense during the first 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. During this period, patients commonly experience throbbing pain, swelling in the cheeks and jaw, and some bleeding. Swelling often peaks around the second or third day post-surgery.
Discomfort gradually decreases after the first few days. By the fourth to seventh day, significant pain and swelling should subside, and patients can resume light activities. Soft tissue, including the gums, heals within one to two weeks, with stitches dissolving or being removed around this time. While gum tissue closes relatively quickly, the underlying bone takes longer to fully regenerate, often requiring three to six months for complete healing. Complications such as dry socket, where the blood clot dislodges, or an infection at the surgical site can prolong pain or recovery.
When to Seek Dental Attention
It is important to seek professional dental attention if certain symptoms arise, whether or not wisdom teeth have been extracted. Persistent and severe pain not managed by over-the-counter medication indicates a dental evaluation is necessary. Swelling in the gums or face that worsens or does not improve after a few days also warrants immediate attention.
Other concerning signs include difficulty opening the mouth or chewing, which can indicate inflammation or infection. Fever, a foul taste or odor in the mouth, or pus discharge from the affected area are strong indicators of an infection requiring prompt treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, contacting a dentist or oral surgeon quickly can help prevent further complications and ensure appropriate care.