Medically Reviewed by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (BDS, MDS - Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics)

A swollen, painful wisdom tooth is one of the most common reasons for an urgent dental visit. Many patients ask how long it will last. The honest answer is that it depends on the cause, and a true infection rarely resolves for good without a dentist’s help. Here is what we tell patients at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic in Khar West, Mumbai.

Written by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist), The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai.

Why wisdom teeth get infected

Wisdom teeth often emerge partly, leaving a flap of gum over the tooth. Food and bacteria collect under the flap and cause inflammation, which dentists call pericoronitis. Decay in a wisdom tooth, or one that is impacted against the next tooth, can also cause infection.

Common signs

• Pain at the back of the jaw, sometimes spreading to the ear or throat
• Swollen, red gum around the tooth
• Bad taste or pus discharge
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• Swelling of the cheek or jaw, and sometimes fever

More on this in our post about a swollen, painful wisdom tooth.

How long does it last?

A mild flare-up from gum inflammation can ease within a few days with careful cleaning and professional care, but it often returns. An infection around a wisdom tooth does not reliably go away on its own, because the cause is still there. If swelling is increasing, or you have fever, trouble swallowing or difficulty opening your mouth, see a dentist the same day.

How a dentist treats it

• Examination and an X-ray to see the position of the tooth
• Gentle cleaning under the flap and flushing of the area
• Medicines if your dentist finds they are needed
• Removal of the flap or the tooth itself when infection keeps recurring or the tooth cannot erupt properly

Wisdom tooth removal is planned from the X-ray, since the roots can lie close to nerves and sinuses.

What you can do until your appointment

Rinse gently with warm salt water, keep the area clean with a soft brush, eat soft food and avoid chewing on that side. Do not apply anything to the gum or try to burst a swelling. If you cannot get an appointment quickly and the swelling spreads, go to an emergency department.

Cost

A wisdom tooth extraction by a specialist starts at Rs 8,500 at our clinic. This is a starting price. It depends on the position of the tooth, and is confirmed after examination. See the fees page. (edited in October 2026)

Frequently asked questions

Can a wisdom tooth infection spread?

Yes. Untreated dental infections can spread to the face and neck. That is why increasing swelling or fever needs urgent care.

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No. Healthy wisdom teeth that are fully erupted and can be cleaned do not need removal.

Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

It is done under local anaesthesia. Soreness and swelling for a few days are expected.

Can antibiotics alone cure it?

Medicines may help control the infection for a time, but the cause usually needs to be treated. Always use medicines only as prescribed.

This article is general information based on our clinical experience and is not a substitute for an examination. Every tooth and every patient is different, so outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed. If you have pain, swelling or fever, please see a dentist.

To book a visit, call +91 98190 39311 or message us on WhatsApp.

The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and closed on Sunday. See our fees and our Smile Gallery.