WORST DAY OF PAIN AFTER WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION

Wisdom teeth, also named as third molars, are the last teeth in the mouth. Generally, there are four wisdom teeth in the oral cavity behind the second molars. However, some individuals have fewer or none at all. Wisdom teeth erupt usually in their late teens or early twenties. Due to their position in the oral cavity, they cause problems and need removal. Discover helpful strategies for managing pain after wisdom tooth extraction. Explore tips for reducing swelling, alleviating discomfort, and speeding up recovery for a smoother healing process.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The most common reason to remove or extract wisdom tooth is impaction or lack of space in the jaw. When there is not enough space in jaw for wisdom teeth to erupt properly,they may emerge at an angle or remain partially or fully impacted causing

pain and discomfort or stiffness in jaw
Food particles and bacteria can trap in partially erupted teeth causing infection known as ‘pericoronitis’
Due to lack of space wisdom teeth put pressure on adjacent teeth causing damage and affect the alignment
wisdom tooth sac sometimes filled with fluid forming a cyst that can damage jaw bone,teeth and nerves
partially erupted teeth are more prone to caries need removal

sometimes, Dentists may recommend wisdom teeth extraction as preventive measure without any symptoms to reduce the risk for future problems.

What to expect after wisdom tooth extraction?

After removal of wisdom tooth, the intensity of symptoms depend upon the complexity of extraction and your body’s individual healing process. Post wisdom teeth removal, you can expect to have

Bleeding is normal after surgery for few hours.
pain after wisdom tooth extraction is more intense in first 24 hours.pain after wisdom tooth removal can last 3 or 4 days and then gradually subsides.
Swelling of cheeks and bruising may occur which typically peak around the second day after surgery and then gradually improve

How painful is wisdom teeth removal ?

The pain experienced after wisdom tooth removal varies from person to person but modern anesthesia and pain management techniques have made this procedure quite easy and almost painless. post operative pain can be easily managed by prescribed pain relievers. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely, including the use of ice packs and gentle oral hygiene practices, can help healthy wisdom tooth healing during the recovery process.

How long is wisdom teeth surgery ?

The duration of a wisdom teeth extraction surgery can vary depending on its complexity, the number of teeth being removed, and whether the procedure is done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

Simple extraction (straightforward cases): Usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
Surgical extraction (impacted or complex cases): This procedure may take 45 minutes to an hour

Worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction

The worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction often occurs 2 to 3 days post-surgery, when swelling and discomfort typically peak. On this day, you may experience intense soreness, throbbing, and swelling around the extraction sites, which can radiate to your jaw, neck, or even your ears. Although this day can be the most difficult, it’s usually temporary, and the pain tends to decrease significantly after the 3rd day. If the pain becomes unbearable or you suspects a complication like a dry socket or infection, you must contact your dentist or oral surgeon.

How to deal with pain of wisdom teeth removal?

Healing wisdom tooth extraction can be challenging but managed efficiently by following some recovery tips.

Follow the instructions carefully provided by your surgeon to promote healthy wisdom tooth healing.
Pain management: Use pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or take prescribed painkillers if necessary. Apply a cold compress in the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
Swelling & Bruising: Use cold compresses to minimize swelling initially, and then switch to warm compresses after 48 hours for muscle relaxation

Day after wisdom teeth removal

Eat Soft Foods: In the first few days after wisdom tooth removal, eat soft and cold food, and avoid hot and spicy items. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid straws.
Oral Hygiene: Brush gently around the extraction site and rinse with salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes
Seek Help if Needed: Contact your dentist if you experience excessive bleeding, persistent severe pain, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth.

How long does it take for wisdom teeth to heal ?

The average recovery time from wisdom teeth removal depends upon the complexity of the extraction and individual healing factors, but generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the initial recovery. During this period, most swelling and discomfort should subside. Within the first few days, you may experience significant swelling, bruising, and soreness, typically peering around 48 to 72 hours after surgery. The soft tissue around the removal site usually heals one to two weeks after the extraction, but the bone may take 3 to 6 months to recover fully. Following your dentist’s or surgeon’s instructions is essential to aid proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Complications after wisdom teeth removal

Complications after wisdom teeth removal, though relatively rare, can occur and may include

Dry socket: failure of blood clot formation due to traumatic extraction can lead to severe pain after wisdom teeth removal
Infection: wisdom teeth removal infection can cause pain, swelling, pus and fever
nerve damage: damage to the nerve during the extraction of wisdom teeth can cause numbness and tingling in the tongue, chin and lips
Excessive and uncontrolled bleeding, which requires medical intervention
Difficulty Opening the Mouth: Muscle stiffness or swelling can make it hard to open the mouth, but this usually improves within a few days.

Summary

Wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent or address various dental issues. These third molars, can become impacted (unable to erupt fully), causing pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. They may also contribute to crowding or misalignment of other teeth. Wisdom teeth are more prone to develop cavities or gum disease due to their position at the back of the mouth. Most of the time, due to lack of space in the jaw, they erupt at odd angles, causing harm to nearby teeth or leading to cysts and other complications. Removing wisdom teeth proactively helps reduce the risk of these issues and ensures better long-term oral health.