What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction: Pain, Healing, and Prevention Tips
After a tooth extraction at Grafton Dental in Pleasant Hill, CA, you might be worried about the pain that comes afterward. The pain you feel after the anesthesia wears off is usually less intense than the pain you had before the tooth extraction. Periodontal Flap Surgery might also be a concern if you have underlying gum issues, But don’t stress, it’s temporary!
Normal Healing Pain:
Don’t be alarmed if you experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure. When the dentist removes your tooth, your body’s pain detectors notice the change, and you might feel some inflammation. This is all normal but can be a bit uncomfortable.
The pain tends to get worse once the anesthesia wears off. You might feel a throbbing pain during the first 24 hours, which is actually a sign that your body is healing. You might also get headaches or pain around your temples, neck, or jaw due to swelling, but these should go away in 1–3 days.
Some common side effects after a tooth extraction include bleeding, discomfort, soreness, swelling, and tenderness. The intensity and duration of pain can vary depending on the tooth removed. Wisdom teeth extractions, for example, can be more painful and take longer to heal.
For the first day, you might experience bleeding and minor tooth extraction pain. Swelling is normal and usually peaks at around 24–78 hours. But if the pain and bleeding continue beyond three days, it’s best to give your dentist a call to rule out any complications.
Following your dentist’s instructions can help reduce discomfort and speed up your recovery. This may include using over-the-counter pain relievers, taking prescribed medications, applying ice to reduce inflammation, and eating soft foods like lukewarm broth, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Remember, avoid straws that might dislodge the blood clot, and stay away from crunchy, spicy, or salty foods. Rest and maintain good oral hygiene too!
Dry Socket:
Sometimes, after an extraction, the blood clot in the gap doesn’t form properly or gets dislodged, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. It can be excruciating when food or air comes in contact with the exposed nerves.
You can help prevent dry sockets by avoiding activities like drinking from straws, spitting, and smoking. It’s more common in complex extractions, but it can happen for no apparent reason. If you think you have it, OTC medications like ibuprofen can help with pain, and a cold compress can reduce swelling. But it’s crucial to contact your emergency dentist near Rodgers-Smith Park for proper treatment.
Painful Infection:
Infections can occur when bacteria invade the extraction site, especially if you have gum disease. You can usually resume brushing and flossing your teeth after 24 hours to help control bacteria in your mouth.
Using a saltwater rinse can also help prevent infection. According to a review, the risk of infection after an extraction is higher in patients with a weak immune system (25%) compared to healthy patients (10%). Signs of infection include persistent swelling, pus at the wound site, and fever. If you suspect an infection, contact your dentist for antibiotics.
When to See Your Dentist:
It’s normal to experience mild pain after a tooth extraction, but you should contact your dentist if you experience continued pain after three days, pain spreading to your temple, ear, eye, or neck, severe or worsening pain, bad breath, visible dry socket, fever, or redness at the extraction site.
What to Expect at Grafton Dental:
When you visit a dental office for tooth extraction pain, your dentist will carefully examine the wound to ensure everything is healing correctly. If you have a dry socket, they’ll provide appropriate treatment and might prescribe stronger pain relief or antibiotics if there’s an infection. If you’re experiencing tooth extraction pain, give a call to our dentistry for immediate assistance.
Remember, before any surgical procedure, it’s a good idea to seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner
