Have you ever marvelled at how each of your children reaches milestones in their own unique way? One child might effortlessly grow their first tiny baby tooth overnight, while the other can turn your world upside down with endless cries during teething. Just like these unpredictable experiences, wisdom teeth are one of those life’s little mysteries which is different for everyone.
Some people never develop wisdom teeth, others undergo their eruption without any trouble, while quite a few face complications and have to get them extracted. This leads us to the inevitable question: How long does wisdom tooth pain last? While there is no definitive answer, the duration of wisdom tooth pain varies from case to case. In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of wisdom teeth, exploring what they are, the symptoms they may cause, and what steps you can take if you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain.
Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are located behind the second molars, with one wisdom tooth occupying each of the back four corners of the mouth. They usually emerge between the late teens and early twenties when most adult teeth have already grown and developed.
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has wisdom teeth. Some are born without them, while others have only one or two. The absence or presence of wisdom teeth is influenced by factors such as genetics, ethnicity, and evolution. Anthropologists speculate that our ancestors’ diet, which consisted of coarser foods, necessitated the development of extra molars. But with the evolution of our diet, our jaws also became smaller, with many people not having the space for these additional teeth.
Because of the lack of space in the mouth, wisdom teeth can become impacted – grow at the wrong angle or get stuck under the gumline. This can lead to several complications, such as pain and discomfort, increased risk of infection, tooth decay and damage to existing teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction is usually recommended in such situations to eliminate these risks and remove the source of the problem.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Some of the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth include:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Swelling and redness of the gums
- Soreness or sensitivity around the affected area
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
- Headaches or earaches
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Sinus pain or pressure (in the case of impacted upper wisdom teeth)
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Some of the most common causes of wisdom tooth pain include:
Fully Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Fully Impacted wisdom teeth can become trapped within the jawbone or gum tissue, causing pressure, discomfort, and pain.
Partial Eruption/Impaction
When wisdom teeth partially emerge through the gum line, it can create a flap of gum tissue that can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to infection, inflammation, and pain.
Infection or inflammation
Impacted wisdom teeth can be more susceptible to infection and inflammation. When they become infected, the area around them becomes inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Cyst or tumour development
In rare cases, a cyst or tumour may develop around an impacted wisdom tooth. These growths can become infected and may lead to potential abscess formation, which can be extremely painful.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last?
If your wisdom tooth becomes impacted and is causing you pain and discomfort, it’s almost always recommended to get it removed. This helps address the root cause of the pain, which may remain constant or escalate, until the impacted wisdom tooth is extracted. Otherwise, it will continue to cause complications and may also become infected.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure which involves numbing the site with a local anaesthetic and making a small incision to remove the impacted wisdom tooth. Recovery after wisdom tooth removal can take about 1-2 weeks with the recommended painkillers or medication. The recovery time is different for each person and can depend on various factors such as your age, level of impaction, or oral health. Removing an impacted wisdom tooth removes the risk of future oral health complications and the pain that comes with it.
At Boon Dental, we offer a range of sedation options to make your dental experience comfortable. A thorough medical evaluation and oral assessment are conducted before recommending surgery. This allows us to see the exact location and the extent of the impacted wisdom tooth. Some patients may have the tooth partially erupted, which can be taken out with forceps using anaesthesia and sedation. There are also cases when the tooth is buried deep under the bone and requires careful handling to be removed. Whatever the case, we ensure you’re fully informed before the procedure and that you’re well taken care of before, during and after your surgery for a speedy recovery.
Tips for Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain
It’s recommended to consult your dentists if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of wisdom tooth pain and follow the recommended diagnosis and treatment. Until then, there are some tips you can follow to manage your wisdom tooth pain until you get to the dentist. They include:
- Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. If you’ve had an extraction, avoid brushing the extraction site for at least a day.
- Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Non-prescription pain medications can help alleviate wisdom tooth pain. Follow the instructions on the packaging and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or medical conditions.
- Using a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth on the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.
- Stick to a soft or liquid diet to avoid putting excessive pressure on the affected area. Choose foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and yoghurt until the pain subsides.
- Avoid foods and beverages that are hot, spicy, or acidic, as they can irritate the sensitive area around the wisdom tooth and exacerbate the pain.
If you have undergone a wisdom tooth extraction, it’s essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist. This includes taking prescribed pain medication, using the recommended mouth rinses, avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days, and smoking to promote healing.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Anytime you experience even a minor but persistent toothache or bleeding, see visible signs of inflammation such as red, swollen gums or suspect that something doesn’t seem right in your mouth, it’s always better to see a dentist. Being proactive can help detect emerging oral problems before they progress, allowing for early treatment and saving you from unnecessary pain and discomfort.
At Boon Dental, we recommend regular dental checkups and cleaning every six months. They include an oral assessment to catch oral problems, such as the first sign of an impacted wisdom tooth or the beginning of gum disease, which may not be painful or visible to the naked eye. Dental cleaning also removes plaque or tartar buildup from your teeth, gumline and inaccessible areas to minimise the risk of infections and gum diseases.
Beat Wisdom Tooth Pain with Boon Dental
Don’t live with wisdom tooth pain. Ignoring toothache or any other symptom of an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to potential complications and further pain. At Boon Dental, our caring dentists are here to help you on your oral health journey, providing preventive care to maintain your dental health and reactive treatments to help manage present issues. Book a consultation at our Wentworth Point or Ropes Crossing Clinic today.