Removal of wisdom teeth is an oral surgery procedure that heals differently in all patients. Others experience slight discomfort during some days, and others take some time to calm down. It is natural to experience pain even after surgery, particularly when the affected tooth was deeply rooted or affected. The pain is normally reduced by the fact that the tissues start to repair themselves. The healing process starts the moment you get your body, but it takes several days before the swelling subsides, and it takes some weeks before the area heals.
According to expert dentist Usama Hayat Ghauri, the initial days are the sensitive ones, and the measure of discomfort usually depends on the complication of the extraction.
Expectations During the First 24 to 48 Hours
Pain and swelling are at the highest level during the first two days as the body is adjusting to the surgical procedure. It is absolutely natural to experience:
- Mild bleeding
- Jaw stiffness
- Throbbing or dull aching
- Pain in swallowing or opening the mouth.
It is common knowledge that within the first 24 hours, swelling is at its peak and then gradually starts to improve. This discomfort can be greatly decreased by the use of cold compresses and prescription medication. It is also important to keep your head up when resting to relieve pressure around the extraction area.
After 3-5 Days of Pain, What is Normal?
Most patients experience a consistent improvement by the 3rd or 4th day. The mouth is easily opened, and the jaw is less stiff. A certain level of soreness is expected to persist, particularly when speaking or chewing. At this stage, the gum tissue starts to seal around the extraction area, and the inflammation then begins to subside. When the pain is gradually fading away, even though it may be evident, then it is typically a positive sign that the healing will be active.
Should You Worry About Pain After 1 Week?
Seven days later, a high percentage of people are virtually relaxed. Sensitivity in the region is mild and normal in case dissolved stitches are still there or the socket is immature. It is common to feel:
- Minor pain on palpation of the area.
- Easy pain on eating more difficult food.
- Temporary sensitivity to cold or heat.
When Does the Pain Last Longer Than Expected?
Other patients experience pain after the first week, and this is particularly likely to happen when the extraction procedure is complicated. Still, acute or progressive pain can be a sign of a problem that should be treated. Two common reasons include:
Dry Socket
It happens when the clot of blood is discharged or relocated out of the socket, revealing the bone beneath. Pain, bad breath, and ear discomfort that radiate to the ear are some of the symptoms.
Infection
The infections can result in swelling, soreness, fever, or bad mouth taste. It typically needs to be treated in order to avoid the worsening of the symptoms. The conditions are both treatable, but a dental professional should treat them as soon as possible.
How To Make the Healing Process Smoother?
The protection of the extraction area is very important for recovery. One can ease the pain and accelerate the healing process with the help of a couple of simple habits:
- Take prescribed or recommended pain relievers regularly.
- Do not rinse or spit a lot during the first 24 hours.
- Take soft food and do not chew the side of the surgery.
- Smoking is bad and makes the healing process longer.
- Wash your mouth, but brush around the extraction point.
Bottom Line!
The average duration of pain following wisdom tooth extraction is three to seven days, with an improvement in the pain every day. All mouths recover gradually, and there are other factors like the position of teeth, age, and the aftercare, which are significant. Understanding what the normal senses are makes you calm and assured, and also makes you confident during the period of recovery. When your pain does not seem normal, or it lasts longer than it should, a call to your dentist would provide the help you need to make it through the pain without any harm or inconvenience.
