Can Wisdom Tooth Pain Go Away on Its Own? What You Should Know
Wisdom tooth pain is a common issue for many people, especially during the late teens and early twenties when these third molars typically emerge. For some, the pain can come on suddenly and be quite severe, while for others, it may be more of a dull ache that lingers over time.
Here’s what you should know about wisdom tooth pain and whether it can resolve without professional intervention.
What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Before diving into whether the pain can go away on its own, it’s essential to understand why wisdom teeth hurt in the first place. A number of things can lead to wisdom teeth pain, such as:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth may not have enough space to fully emerge from the gums, leading to impaction. This means they are trapped beneath the gum line, causing pain and pressure.
- Infection: If a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, food particles and bacteria can become trapped around the tooth, leading to infection and pain.
- Gum Irritation: As the tooth pushes through the gum, it can cause irritation, swelling, and pain in the surrounding tissues.
- Tooth Decay: If a wisdom tooth is difficult to clean due to its position in the mouth, it may develop cavities, causing tooth pain.
- Misalignment: Wisdom teeth that come in crooked or at an angle can put pressure on nearby teeth, causing discomfort and pain.
Can Wisdom Tooth Pain Go Away on Its Own?
The answer to whether wisdom tooth pain can resolve on its own depends on the underlying cause of the discomfort. Here are a few scenarios to consider:
- Mild Discomfort from Eruption
In some cases, wisdom tooth pain is simply a result of the teeth emerging through the gums. If your wisdom teeth are coming in normally (without impaction or other complications), the pain may subside on its own after a few days or weeks. The initial discomfort is usually due to the pressure on your gums and can be relieved by simple home remedies like saltwater rinses or using a cold compress.
What You Should Know:
- This type of pain typically resolves on its own once the tooth fully erupts.
- If the pain persists for more than a few weeks, it’s worth consulting with your dentist, as other issues like infection or impaction may be present.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they’re stuck under the gum or misaligned), the pain is unlikely to go away on its own. Impacted teeth can cause severe discomfort, swelling, and even lead to infections. Without intervention, an impacted wisdom tooth can continue to cause problems such as jaw pain, headaches, and damage to adjacent teeth.
What You Should Know:
- Impacted wisdom teeth typically require professional intervention. Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent further complications.
- If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more serious issues, including gum disease, cyst formation, or damage to other teeth.
- Infection Around the Wisdom Tooth
Infections around wisdom teeth can occur if the tooth is partially erupted or difficult to clean. Bacteria can accumulate in the small gaps between the tooth and gum, leading to pain, swelling, and even pus. In some cases, the body’s immune system may fight the infection on its own, but this is not always the case. An untreated infection can lead to more severe complications, including the spread of bacteria to other areas of the body.
What You Should Know:
- Infections generally do not resolve on their own and require treatment.
- Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and recommend the problematic wisdom tooth extraction to prevent it from recurring.
- Gum Irritation
When wisdom teeth are coming in, it’s common for the surrounding gum tissue to become irritated, swollen, and painful. This type of pain may subside on its own after a short period as the tooth fully erupts through the gums. However, if the gum tissue becomes infected or inflamed, it may need medical attention.
What You Should Know:
- Mild gum irritation usually resolves as the tooth erupts, but it can be relieved with home remedies like saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- If the swelling or irritation worsens, or if you experience persistent pain, it’s important to see a dentist.
- Tooth Decay or Cavities
If your wisdom tooth has developed cavities due to difficulty cleaning it, the pain is unlikely to go away without intervention. Tooth decay can cause prolonged discomfort and can worsen over time. In some cases, a cavity may require a filling or, if the decay is severe, a root canal or extraction.
What You Should Know:
- Tooth decay doesn’t heal on its own and will only get worse if left untreated.
- If you suspect your wisdom tooth has cavities, it’s essential to see a dentist for treatment.
When to See a Dentist
While mild wisdom tooth pain may resolve on its own, there are several signs that indicate it’s time to see a dentist:
- Pain lasts more than a few weeks
- Severe swelling or redness around the gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
- Pain that spreads to your jaw, ear, or head
- Pus or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Fever
These could be signs of infection, impaction, or other dental issues that require professional treatment.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth pain can sometimes go away on its own, especially if it’s caused by the normal eruption of the tooth. However, if the pain is caused by an infection, impaction, or other serious dental issues, it is unlikely to resolve without professional intervention. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult with your Expert dentist to determine the cause of the discomfort and discuss potential treatments. While waiting for your appointment, home remedies can help manage mild pain, but a dentist’s care is often necessary for lasting relief.