How many days does acute apical periodontitis usually hurt without treatment?

Acute apical periodontitis typically causes pain for about 7 days if left untreated, and patients are advised to seek treatment as early as possible. Specific details are as follows:

Acute apical periodontitis is an acute inflammation caused by bacterial infection at the apex of the tooth root, commonly accompanied by symptoms such as toothache, swollen gums, and pus discharge. If not treated, the condition generally progresses from the acute phase to the chronic phase over approximately 7 days, during which the patient experiences pain. Once it enters the chronic phase, acute apical periodontitis may develop into chronic periapical periodontitis. Although the pain may subside, it could eventually lead to tooth loss. Therefore, patients are strongly advised to seek prompt medical attention upon experiencing symptoms of acute apical periodontitis to prevent worsening of the condition. The primary treatment for acute apical periodontitis is root canal therapy. During this procedure, the dentist removes infected nerve tissue and bacteria, then fills the canal with medication to prevent reinfection.

In summary, although acute apical periodontitis may cause pain for only about 7 days if left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications and damage overall oral health. Thus, timely medical consultation and professional treatment are recommended once related symptoms appear.