Introduction:
In this blog, we’ve learned that wisdom teeth, the last set of molars at the back of the mouth, can often lead to discomfort and pain as they emerge. Symptoms such as swollen gums, sinus pains, and difficulty chewing may indicate issues with wisdom teeth, commonly caused by a lack of space or misalignment.
Understanding the causes of wisdom tooth pain and seeking prompt dental care can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications like pericoronitis. With proper management, including good oral hygiene and timely treatment, the discomfort associated with wisdom teeth can be effectively addressed, ensuring better dental health and overall well-being.
When your wisdom teeth start growing, it can hurt for about a week or so, but sometimes the pain sticks around for much longer, even up to a year or more until the teeth are fully out. Sometimes, these teeth can get stuck, causing more pain and problems like crooked teeth, cysts, gum issues, and cavities.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the following topics:
- What Are Wisdom Teeth?
- How Long Will Wisdom Tooth Pain Last?
- Issues with wisdom teeth?
- Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain While Growing
- Relief With Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Conclusion
- Faq’s
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in the back corners of a normal adult mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, with one in each corner of the mouth: two on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, although the timing can vary.
Wisdom teeth served a purpose in our ancestors who had larger jaws and relied on a diet that included rougher, harder foods. However, with changes in diet and jaw size over time, many people now have insufficient space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. This can lead to various dental issues, such as impacted wisdom teeth, crowding, pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
As a result, wisdom teeth often require extraction if they are causing problems or are at risk of causing issues in the future. However, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, and the decision depends on factors such as the position of the teeth, their impact on oral health, and the individual’s dental structure.
How Long Will Wisdom Tooth Pain Last?
The duration of wisdom tooth pain can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s pain tolerance, the severity of the impaction, and whether there are any complications such as infection. In general, wisdom tooth pain may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
If the wisdom tooth is impacted or causes crowding, the pain may persist until the tooth is extracted or until the surrounding tissues adjust to accommodate the tooth. In some cases, the pain may come and go as the tooth continues to try to emerge or as inflammation fluctuates.
It’s important to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon if you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may include pain management techniques, antibiotics for infection, or extraction of the wisdom tooth.
Issues with wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth can bring on a bunch of symptoms, including:
- Bleeding or swollen gums and soreness When wisdom teeth start growing in, they can push against other teeth, making your jaw feel uncomfortable. This might cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, and even make it hard to open your mouth or breathe. They can also make your gums swollen, red, and tender. Sometimes, they might even make your gums bleed.
- Sinus pains If your wisdom teeth are growing in your upper jaw, they might mess with your sinuses. That’s because sometimes the roots of these teeth grow into the sinus cavity, which can hurt a lot. It might also give you headaches and make your nose feel stuffy.
- Trouble chewing food When wisdom teeth are coming through, they can make it tough to chew food. It might feel like growing pain as they push against your other teeth, or it could be a sign that something’s wrong, like if a tooth is stuck. If your teeth have moved around, it could make it hard to move your jaw properly.
Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain While Growing
Wisdom teeth can cause pain because:
- Not enough room Sometimes, there’s not enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to grow properly. This can make them get stuck or only partially come out, which can hurt.
- Crooked growth Wisdom teeth might grow at a funny angle, pushing against other teeth, nerves, or the jawbone. This can be painful.
- Inflammation and infection If a wisdom tooth only comes out partway, it can leave a space where bacteria can gather, leading to swelling and infection. That can hurt.
Relief With Wisdom Tooth Pain
Pericoronitis happens when the gum around a wisdom tooth gets swollen and infected because the tooth hasn’t come out all the way.
Sometimes, a piece of gum grows over the tooth, and bacteria can get trapped there, causing infection and swelling.
Another way it can happen is if food or bacteria get stuck under the gum around the tooth.
It’s important to deal with pericoronitis quickly. Usually, it’s not too hard to fix, but the sooner you deal with it, the easier it is.
Treatments include
- Take better care of your mouth by rinsing it with warm salt water or using a special tool to clean under the gum.
- Taking painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Take antibiotics if there’s a lot of swelling in the teeth, jaw, or cheek.
- Having surgery to remove the piece of gum covering the tooth.
- Sometimes, it’s best to remove the wisdom tooth if it’s causing too much trouble. If this happens, it’s often best to remove both the top and bottom wisdom teeth to avoid problems with biting.
Conclusion
Dealing with wisdom teeth can be a pain, literally. From discomfort, they come into potential complications like pericoronitis, so it’s essential to stay on top of dental care.
If you’re experiencing pain or swelling around your wisdom teeth, don’t ignore it. Take steps like better oral hygiene and pain relief, and see a dentist if needed. The sooner you address any issues, the easier they are to handle.
Remember, wisdom teeth problems are common, but with proper care and prompt attention, they can be managed effectively.
Faq’s
Q1. How long does it take when a wisdom tooth comes in?
A1. The pain from a wisdom tooth coming in can last different lengths of time for different people. Some might feel it for a few days, while others might have discomfort for a few weeks.
Q2. How can you make a growing wisdom tooth stop hurting?
A2. Putting a cold pack on your cheeks can help. Cold helps to reduce swelling and numb the area, which can make the pain less. Using a warm compress can also help by relaxing the area and increasing blood flow. You can try both to see which one helps you feel better.
Q3. Will the pain from a wisdom tooth go away by itself?
A3. Sometimes, the pain from a wisdom tooth goes away on its own over time, without needing any treatment. But if the pain is really bad or if the wisdom tooth is causing other problems like infection, you might need to see a dentist. They might suggest removing the tooth.
Q4. How long does it take for a wisdom tooth to heal and stop hurting?
A4. After getting a wisdom tooth removed, it usually takes about 7 to 10 days for the swelling to go down and about 2 weeks to fully heal. Taking good care of the area, like rinsing your mouth gently, can help it heal faster.
Q5. Is wisdom tooth pain something you can handle?
A5. If you have an infection from a wisdom tooth, it’s important to see a dentist right away. An infected wisdom tooth can cause really bad pain, and the infection might spread to other parts of your body, which can lead to more serious problems.
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