Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure, but many patients are concerned about the pain that can follow.
The duration of post-operative pain varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the individual’s pain tolerance, and how well they follow their aftercare instructions.
This article will explore the typical timeline of pain after wisdom teeth removal, providing insights into what to expect and how to manage discomfort.
How Long Does Pain Last After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The Initial Days: Expect Discomfort
The first few days following wisdom teeth removal are usually the most uncomfortable. The surgical site will be healing, and you might experience:
Swelling: The area around the extraction site will likely swell, peaking around 2-3 days after surgery.
Pain: You’ll feel pain, which can be described as throbbing, aching, or sharp. Pain relievers prescribed by your dentist will help manage this discomfort.
Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal for the first few days. You can control minor bleeding by applying pressure with a gauze pad for about 30 minutes.
Difficulty Opening Mouth: Swelling can make it difficult to open your mouth fully for a few days.
see also: Can You Get Wisdom Teeth at 40?
Managing Pain in the First Days
Prescription Pain Relievers: Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication like ibuprofen or a stronger opioid-based pain reliever.
Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully regarding dosage and frequency.
Cold Compresses: Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and pain.
Rest: Give your body time to heal. Avoid strenuous activities, excessive talking, and smoking.
Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods for the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction site. Examples include mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and soup.
Healing Progress: Pain Gradually Subsides
After the first few days, the pain will gradually start to subside. You’ll likely notice:
Reduced Swelling: The swelling will decrease daily, but it may take a full week or two to completely disappear.
Decreased Pain: You’ll require less pain medication as the pain reduces. By day 3-4, many patients can manage pain with over-the-counter medications.
Improved Mouth Opening: You’ll be able to open your mouth more comfortably.
Reduced Bleeding: Any bleeding should stop within a few days.
Managing Pain During Healing
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Switch to over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as the pain lessens.
Warm Compresses: After the first 2-3 days, you can start applying warm compresses to the area to promote blood flow and healing.
Salt Water Rinses: Gentle salt water rinses can help cleanse the area and reduce inflammation.
Soft Foods: Continue eating soft foods until your dentist says it’s safe to return to your regular diet. This may take a week or two.
Rest: Continue to get plenty of rest to allow for optimal healing.
Long-Term Healing: Expect a Gradual Return to Normal
The healing process can take several weeks or even months. While the majority of the discomfort subsides within the first week, you may continue to experience some minor pain or soreness for a few more weeks.
Sensitivity: The area around the extraction site may remain sensitive to touch or cold for some time.
Stiffness: Your jaw might feel stiff or sore for a while, especially if you’ve had multiple teeth removed.
Managing Long-Term Healing
Follow-up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure the extraction sites are healing properly.
Gentle Rinses: Continue gentle salt water rinses or as advised by your dentist.
Soft Foods: Gradually return to your regular diet, but avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that might irritate the area.
Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently around the extraction sites. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss carefully.
Patience: Allow your body time to heal fully. It’s normal to experience some discomfort for a few weeks or months after surgery.
Possible Complications: When to Seek Help
While most wisdom teeth extractions heal without complications, there are some potential problems that can arise. If you experience any of the following, contact your dentist immediately:
Excessive Bleeding: Bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 30 minutes.
Severe Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with prescribed medication or pain that gets worse over time.
Swelling: Swelling that increases after the first 2-3 days or swelling that spreads to other areas of your face.
Fever: A fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pus or Drainage: Pus or foul-smelling drainage coming from the extraction site.
Numbness or Tingling: Numbness or tingling in your lips, chin, or tongue.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Dry Socket: This is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot in the extraction socket becomes dislodged, leaving the bone exposed.
Preventing Complications: Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
The best way to avoid complications and reduce pain after wisdom teeth removal is to carefully follow your dentist’s instructions. This includes:
Taking prescribed medications as directed: This helps manage pain and prevent infection.
Resting adequately: Give your body time to heal.
Eating soft foods: Avoid foods that could irritate the extraction site.
Maintaining good oral hygiene: Gentle brushing and flossing around the extraction sites are crucial.
Avoiding smoking and alcohol: These substances can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
Attending all follow-up appointments: Your dentist will monitor your healing progress and address any issues.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is often a necessary procedure to prevent future dental problems. While the post-operative pain can be uncomfortable, it is temporary. Following your dentist’s instructions carefully is crucial to promoting healing and minimizing discomfort. If you have any concerns or experience unexpected pain, contact your dentist immediately.