Often people are scared of getting tooth extraction, not because of what happens during the procedure, but what occurs after it. During a tooth extraction, dentists can manage pain with local anesthesia. But once the tooth is removed, you may feel slight discomfort for a few days afterward.
This perception of post-extraction pain urges many people to skip dental visits, even when necessary. So for better understanding, we will discuss about the pain after tooth extraction and how to manage it at home.
What Type of Pain Occurs After Tooth Extraction?
Soon after a tooth extraction, you may not feel pain or any sensation in that region for a few hours until the effect of anesthesia wears off. The extent of pain after a tooth extraction is variable and dependent on different factors.
For example, if you got your tooth removed by simple tooth extraction, the pain afterward will be very mild and resolve within one or two days. However, if the tooth extraction was surgical, such as in the case of impacted wisdom teeth, you may experience pain and discomfort for a few days.
Complete healing after a surgical extraction takes longer as well. On average, it takes about 4 weeks to recover fully. During this period, if the extraction site gets inflamed or irritated, it may postpone normal healing and cause longer discomfort.
There is no fixed range of pain after tooth extraction, which can be considered normal. Typically, you may feel a dull ache or soreness during the initial period after extraction that reduces over time.
How to Manage Pain After Tooth Extraction?
After tooth extraction, our dentist will place gauze on the treatment site and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Following these instructions is essential to promote proper healing:
- Apply adequate pressure on the gauze to stop bleeding after tooth extraction. Dispose of the gauze after some time, as directed.
- Use a prescription medication for 2 to 3 days to reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discomfort.
- Avoid strenuous activity for one to two days.
- Avoid spitting, using a straw, or rinsing your mouth with pressure for the first 24 hours.
- Eat a soft diet initially. It is better to eat and drink products that are at room temperature.
- Do not brush for the first 12 hours after the extraction. Later, brush your teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline water to quicken the healing process.
When To Worry After A Tooth Extraction?
Generally, the pain after tooth extraction resolves within a few days with proper care. However, if you develop severe symptoms such as sharp, throbbing pain, excessive swelling, jaw ache, or tenderness at the extraction site, they can indicate a ‘dry socket.’
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges, exposing the tooth socket. It can cause extreme discomfort that may not be manageable at home.
In case you develop symptoms of a dry socket, visit our dentists at Porter Smiles Dental immediately. We will clear the socket and place a medicated gauze to resume healing.
If you have any queries regarding tooth extraction or want your tooth removed, call us at 281 519 7200 to book an appointment.