Pain after wisdom tooth extraction that does not diminish should never be ignored, much less endured for an extended period. Most patients experience mild to moderate pain for three days to a week following the procedure. However, if pain is accompanied by swelling and bleeding two weeks after the extraction, it may indicate post-extraction complications.
In addition to understanding the potential causes of pain, it’s essential to visit your dentist in Upland, California, for proper treatment. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your extraction site isn’t healing properly and why it’s causing persistent pain. We’ll also offer practical tips on how to manage post-extraction pain, even from the comfort of your home.
When Does Pain Peak After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The first two to three days after wisdom tooth removal is typically the period you’d feel most uncomfortable. During these days, the anesthetic should have worn off. The peak of pain and swelling may start at day three and may continue the following day.
Pain can be an intense, sharp, and throbbing sensation that can start from the extraction area and may radiate to the ear, neck, jaw, and head.
It’s a feeling that tells your brain something is wrong, and no matter how hard you ignore or endure it, eating, drinking, speaking, or even sleeping becomes challenging. Even the idea of chewing something gives you a strange jolt in your mouth.
At night, the pain intensifies. Lying down seems to make it worse. The burning ache keeps you awake, with no comfortable position to settle in. The constant discomfort can wear you down emotionally. You may find yourself feeling irritable, anxious, or drained, wishing for just a moment of relief. Here’s where you should consult your dentist immediately.
What Causes Pain and Why Does It Hurt So Much?
There are three major factors associated with pain after tooth wisdom tooth removal. The first one is infection, the second factor is nerve damage, and the last one is a dry socket.
Infection
One of the most common complications after a wisdom tooth extraction is infection, which can present through symptoms such as swelling, pain, fever, abscess formation, or the development of a dry socket.
A Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials indicates that the likelihood of postoperative infection following a third molar extraction in healthy young patients is around 10%. However, this risk can rise to as much as 25% in individuals with weakened immune systems prior to the procedure.
An infected extraction site can hurt so much because pus buildup and swelling may put pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Since there are many nerves in the jaw and mouth, even a small amount of inflammation can cause intense discomfort.
Dry socket
A dry socket is a common complication when a tooth is removed. It occurs when a blood clot at the extraction site does not form or become dislodged before the wound heals. The blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction has a specific function. It contains cells needed for proper healing and serves as a protective layer over the underlying bone and nerve endings in the empty socket. Thus, the absence of a blood clot exposes the underlying bone and nerves, causes irritation, and leads to pain.
A dry socket after a wisdom tooth removal is often triggered by:
- Smoking
- Excessive swishing
- Poor oral hygiene
- Using oral contraceptives containing estrogen that can interfere with the healing process
Nerve damage
There was a report presenting a case where a geriatric patient experienced trigeminal neuralgia post extraction or a condition characterized by severe facial pain. According to the report, nerve damage during dental extraction occurs when the peripheral sensory nerves in the face and jaws are injured, because of:
- Tooth proximity
- Poor use of dental instruments
- Age
- Bone removal
Extraction-related injuries can cause persistent and severe pain, including numbing, burning, or electric shock-like sensations.
How to Manage Pain After Wisdom Tooth Removal
The first step to managing post-extraction pain is knowing its root cause, which you alone can’t fully determine. That’s why it’s important to consult your dentist the moment the pain becomes more intense to the point it affects your daily living.
For instance, an infected extraction area must be evaluated to avoid the spread of the infection beyond the oral cavity. Any suspicion of Ludwig angina (a rapid spread of infection) warrants emergency treatment to avoid airway compromise. Your dentist would typically prescribe 500 mg of amoxicillin per day for 7 days to treat the infected area.
Unlike an infection, a dry socket doesn’t always require taking antibiotics. The main treatment plan for a dry socket is pain alleviation. In this regard, your dentist may recommend remedies that you can do at home. This includes cleansing the dry socket with a saltwater solution. Your dentist might also place a medicated gauze in the extracted area to promote healing.
Another way to mitigate pain is to apply an ice pack near the extracted area. But make sure to listen to your dentist’s instructions.
When it comes to addressing nerve damage due to wisdom tooth extraction, treatment varies based on how severe the damage is. Mild cases may resolve naturally with time and proper care, often requiring only over-the-counter pain relievers. However, more severe cases might necessitate additional interventions. Potential treatment options may include:
- Prescription drugs
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
Consult Your Dentist In Upland CA
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and recovery timeline for wisdom tooth extraction is crucial. However, it’s equally important to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your oral surgeon or dentist. It’s essential to adhere to these guidelines to reduce the risk of complications.
Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and avoiding tobacco, fosters a healthier healing environment.
For expert oral health advice, visit Upland Dental Practice. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort related to a recently extracted wisdom tooth, schedule a free consultation to receive a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options