Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt?
Most people don’t realize that their wisdom teeth are going to cause them pain and grief. They think that once the adult set of molars reaches their late teens and early twenties, the problem is solved for good. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Like all teeth, wisdom teeth are usually growing throughout a person’s life from an early age. In fact, some people are even born with them and need to have them removed relatively early on in life. However, most wisdom teeth begin to emerge anywhere from the late teens up until early adulthood.
One of the biggest reasons that these teeth cause so much pain is that they are often impacted inside the gums. They can become trapped or misaligned and this, in turn, leads to inflammation, swelling, and pain.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last If Not Removed?
There are a number of different factors that determine “how long does wisdom tooth pain last if not removed.” Some of these include:
- The severity of the impaction: If the tooth is more severely impacted, it will likely take longer to heal and the pain may linger for a longer period of time.
- The age and overall health of the individual: Younger people tend to heal faster than older individuals, so if your wisdom tooth is causing you pain at a young age, it may go away sooner than if you were in your late twenties or thirties. Additionally, people with certain health conditions may heal more slowly than those who are healthy and have no other complications.
- The type of treatment that is used to address the problem: Some approaches to wisdom tooth pain, such as antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers, may help temporarily but provide only short-term relief. Other treatments, such as oral surgery or wisdom tooth removal, may cause more pain in the short-term but can help to eliminate the problem of impacted teeth and alleviate any lingering pain.
How long does wisdom tooth pain last if not removed? In general, it is difficult to predict how long the pain will last since there are a number of different factors that can influence this.
Wisdom Teeth Complications
The list of possible complications you may experience because of impacted wisdom teeth that are not removed is long and includes:
- Pericoronitis: This painful condition basically comes down to inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. Symptoms include discomfort, swelling, soreness, redness, pain or tenderness, bad breath, and even infection and pus around the tooth.
- Cavities: Food can become lodged in between the teeth and cause cavities.
- Gum Disease: If the wisdom teeth are not removed, there is a higher risk of developing periodontal disease that can destroy the structure supporting your teeth.
- Decay: The wisdom tooth may push out neighboring teeth causing them to be misaligned or even partially fall out of your mouth. This can lead to decay and an increased risk of tooth loss.
- Cysts: Cysts are sacs that fill with fluid, and they can grow around the teeth if they are not removed. These cysts can damage nearby jaw bones and tissues of the mouth and cheeks, as well as become cancerous over time. It is important to get them treated right away if you suspect one has formed.
There are many reasons why wisdom tooth pain needs to be addressed right away, and it is important to seek professional help if you are having any of the above complications or other problems as a result of your not erupted teeth.
Don’t Be Afraid of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
How long does wisdom tooth pain last if not removed? As you can see, the consequences of not having your wisdom teeth removed are serious, so why wait? It may seem scary, but the wisdom teeth extraction procedure is not that bad, and most people can return to their normal activities within a few days of having it done.
The pain relief you will experience after getting your impacted teeth removed can be life-changing. Just remember to take care of your mouth after the dental procedure and watch for any signs of an extraction site infection or dry socket (it’s a condition when the blood clot gets dislodged) or other problems.
If you are worried about how painful this process might be, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about ways they use to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Similar Posts:
- How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Growing Pain Last? | Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Is Your Wisdom Tooth Pain Unbearable? Remedies for Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief
- How Long Does a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Take? | Wisdom Teeth Removal
- What Is an Erupted Tooth? Everything You Need to Know
- Food Stuck in Wisdom Teeth Holes: What to Do?
