It’s normal to feel some discomfort or pain after wisdom teeth removal, but how bad should it be?
It’s Natural to Feel Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When you consider it, wisdom tooth removal is a surgical operation, and even with the best intentions, the gum tissue and bone that housed the wisdom tooth are likely to be pulled around. As a result, the extraction area is likely to be tender at the very least.
As a result, some pain or discomfort at the extraction site is perfectly normal until the anaesthetic wears off. Of course, how much or how little pain there is depends on how simple or difficult the wisdom tooth removal procedure was. Click learn more for more info.
So, if pain after wisdom tooth extraction is usual, what exactly is “normal” and how severe should it be?
For the first 24 hours, you will most likely experience nociceptive pain. This is not the same sort of pain you’d get if you burned a finger; it’s acute or minor discomfort caused by tissue or bone injury. The positive thing about this form of nociceptive pain is that it’s superficial, which means it goes away when the wound heals.
Any pain experienced after a wisdom tooth extraction usually peaks about 6 hours after the procedure is completed. You can also see any bleeding or swelling, as well as blood traces in your mouth.
In most cases, pain from wisdom teeth removal can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers including ibuprofen. Your dentist will most likely prescribe these, and you might be told to take them two or three times a day to help relieve any pain. Additionally, your dentist can recommend using icepacks at regular intervals to reduce bruising and swelling around the tooth extraction site.
If your wisdom tooth extraction was more complicated or involved, your dentist or oral surgeon could recommend stronger pain medicine to help alleviate any potential discomfort.
In any case, any discomfort you may experience after a tooth or teeth extraction should be managed with over-the-counter or stronger medicine.
How Long Does Pain Last After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Most people recover from wisdom tooth extraction in 3-4 days and are able to resume their normal activities at this stage. Complete recovery can take 7-10 days in more complex cases or when multiple teeth are extracted.
What about rest?
Rest is necessary after any form of surgery. It aids wound healing and allows the body to produce more white blood cells when sleeping. This, in fact, aids in the prevention of infections.
It’s best to stop any exercise or strenuous movement for at least the first 24 hours, and to sit or lie down with your head elevated. Any strenuous movement too soon after wisdom tooth extraction can exacerbate pain.
In any case, recovery after wisdom tooth extraction should be protected by your treatment plan, so whether you follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s home-care guidance, your recovery should be fast and uneventful.
When Wisdom Tooth Extraction Pain Isn’t Normal
As previously reported, some pain is common after wisdom tooth extraction and usually subsides within 3-4 days. However, if you are experiencing excruciating pain from the tooth extraction site, or if the pain lasts longer than 10 days, you can contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away. This may be a hint of more serious problems that need to be addressed.
Dry socket that is Painful
When a blood clot fails to form in the extraction site region, or if the blood clot is unintentionally relocated, this happens. Alveolar osteitis is one of the most common complications associated with wisdom tooth extraction. Patients with a dry socket typically have a dull ache or throbbing pain in the gum region, as well as an unpleasant taste or odour coming from the tooth extraction site.