How many days does it take for inflamed, swollen, and painful wisdom teeth to get better?

Oct 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Mild inflammation with swelling and pain is often caused by food debris irritation. Rinsing the mouth with warm saline solution promptly, maintaining good oral hygiene, and following a light diet can gradually reduce the inflammation, with noticeable relief of discomfort within 3–5 days. If the inflammation becomes moderate, accompanied by slight difficulty in opening the mouth, anti-inflammatory medications should be used under medical guidance, along with local irrigation; swelling and pain usually subside within about one week.

Swelling and pain caused by wisdom tooth inflammation typically subside within 3–5 days in mild cases, take about one week for moderate cases, and may last up to two weeks in severe or recurrent cases—exact duration depends on treatment and care. If swelling or pain occurs, seek medical attention promptly to prevent the spread of infection.

Mild swelling and pain are often caused by food debris irritation. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water, maintaining good oral hygiene, and eating a light diet can gradually reduce inflammation, with noticeable relief usually within 3–5 days. For moderate inflammation accompanied by slight difficulty opening the mouth, anti-inflammatory medications under a doctor’s guidance and local irrigation are recommended, with most symptoms resolving within about one week.

In severe cases due to impacted wisdom teeth, when obvious swelling, fever, or painful swallowing occur, more comprehensive treatment is required—such as intravenous anti-inflammatory medication—and recovery may take 1–2 weeks. Without proper management, inflammation may recur; each subsequent episode could last longer and potentially worsen the condition.

For daily care, rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals to remove debris around the wisdom teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the mouth and avoid irritating inflamed areas. Choose lukewarm, soft foods that are easy to chew, such as porridge or steamed eggs.

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How long does it take for an inflamed wisdom tooth to heal?

Mild inflammation of wisdom teeth is often caused by food debris accumulation, leading to localized redness and swelling of the gums. With proper oral hygiene and local irrigation, the inflammation usually subsides gradually within 3 to 5 days. However, in cases of severe inflammation due to impacted wisdom teeth, accompanied by significant pain, swelling, or even limited mouth opening, anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by a doctor and professional irrigation treatment are necessary. Recovery in such cases may take longer, typically 1 to 2 weeks.

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Can you squeeze out pus from an inflamed wisdom tooth by yourself?

The oral cavity contains a large number of bacteria. When pus is squeezed manually, bacteria from the hands or tools can enter deep tissues through the compressed wound, potentially causing infections in the spaces of the maxillofacial region, leading to symptoms such as facial swelling and fever. In severe cases, it may even affect breathing and increase the difficulty of treatment. A light, liquid diet is recommended to minimize chewing irritation.

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Can patients with periodontitis get dental implants after losing teeth?

If periodontitis is in the active stage, with problems such as redness, swelling, bleeding of the gums, and ongoing alveolar bone resorption, dental implantation cannot be performed directly. Initial treatment should include scaling and root planing to remove dental plaque and calculus and control inflammation. After the condition has stabilized for 3–6 months and a doctor confirms healthy periodontal tissues upon examination, the feasibility of dental implantation can then be evaluated.

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Can patients with periodontitis receive dental implants?

If periodontitis has been properly treated, with inflammation under control, no redness, swelling or bleeding of the gums, normal periodontal pocket depth, and sufficient alveolar bone volume and density to meet the requirements for dental implantation, dental implants may be considered after evaluation by a dentist. Prior to surgery, dental calculus and plaque must be thoroughly removed to eliminate any potential inflammation, thereby creating a stable environment for osseointegration and reducing the risk of implant failure.