Can wisdom tooth inflammation heal on its own without taking medication?
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
If pericoronitis of a wisdom tooth does not present obvious discomfort and is only characterized by mild toothache, it may resolve spontaneously without medication. However, if swelling and pain in the back teeth area occur, accompanied by pain during swallowing or eating, and oral examination reveals redness and swelling of the gum flap around the wisdom tooth, even with ulceration or pus discharge from the periodontal pocket, anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by a doctor is necessary; in such cases, the condition generally will not resolve on its own without taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pericoronitis of wisdom teeth generally refers to inflammation around the crown of a wisdom tooth. Whether pericoronitis can heal on its own without medication depends on the severity of the condition.
1. Possible: Pericoronitis may occur due to incomplete eruption or impaction of the wisdom tooth, leading to inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues. If symptoms are mild—such as slight tooth discomfort without significant pain—the condition is usually not severe and may resolve spontaneously without medication.
2. Not possible: If pericoronitis causes noticeable swelling and pain in the back tooth area, accompanied by pain during swallowing or eating, with pain radiating to the throat, ears, or temporomandibular joint, and if oral examination reveals redness, swelling, or even ulceration of the gum flap around the wisdom tooth, along with pus discharge from the periodontal pocket, the condition is typically severe. In such cases, medical treatment with antibiotics under a doctor's guidance is necessary. Commonly used medications include erythromycin capsules and cefixime dispersible tablets, along with local antiseptic irrigation and topical medication. Spontaneous recovery without anti-inflammatory drugs is unlikely in these cases.
