All my teeth hurt after wisdom tooth extraction

Who can perform wisdom teeth removal surgery?

The best recommendation is for you to see an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have seen it all, and if any complications arise during surgery, it will not be a surprise to them. A general dentist may be capable of performing wisdom teeth removal surgery, but wisdom teeth surgery has a high complication rate if not done by an experienced surgeon. Be sure to pick one who performs this type of surgery often. 

What do you need to do before dental surgery?

Not much preparation is needed for wisdom teeth removal surgery because it is an outpatient procedure. An outpatient procedure means that you get to go home the same day as the surgery, but you should always ask your surgeon how to prepare for the surgery if you have any questions. Here is a list of questions to ask your surgeon to prepare you for your operation: 

. Do I need a bone graft?

Bone grafts reduce bone and jaw shrinkage in teeth closest to the surgical site. Bone grafting is recommended for bone augmentation and pocket preservation. These procedures help to preserve the bone for possible implant placement in the future.

. Should I fast before the surgery? If so, when should you begin?

It depends on which anesthesia the surgeon will be using. If local anesthesia will use its best to have a light meal in your stomach a few hours before the surgery begins. This helps to ensure that your blood sugar levels are kept up and maintained while the procedure is taking place. If you are using any other type of anesthesia with sedation, it is best to go into surgery on an empty stomach.

. Should someone drive you home?

It is recommended that someone drives you back just to be safe. Ask your surgeon about the effects of anesthesia and how long it will last. It also helps to ask if you can take your prescription medications before the procedure and what medications you should avoid taking entirely.

Avoid Vigorous Activity

A factor that will determine how quickly the recovery processes will be included how severe the wisdom tooth impaction was at the time of removal. Those who have had wisdom tooth surgery should plan to rest and avoid substantial activity for at least the first few days. Always keep in mind that any activity for the first week following surgery that might dislodge or disrupt a blood clot should be avoided.

Patients may take over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication as directed. Swelling is a normal part of the post-surgical experience when having teeth extracted. Placing an ice pack on the outside of the face over the jaw area can help reduce any swelling. Going back and forth between hot and cold compresses can help to reduce inflammation and ease any ongoing discomfort.

The First 24 Hours After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It is essential to follow your oral surgeon or dentist’s instructions following surgery as a way to care for your mouth throughout the recovery period. Patients will likely be advised not to floss, brush, or rinse for the first 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction surgery. Following the early 24 hours, it is usually okay to brush gently and rinse with a solution of warm water and salt as frequently as possible. This will keep the site of the surgical procedure clean and help to avoid infection.

Also, eating soft foods is always a good idea following surgery. This includes foods like cottage cheese, applesauce, yogurt, and any other type of soft food that will not interfere with the healing process. Eventually, patients can move into a diet that includes semi-soft foods and, finally, solid foods. While recovery will take several days, there may still be discomfort and swelling as long as a week or two out following surgery. The consistent use of ice packs along with frequently rinsing with warm salty water will help to facilitate healing. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects following surgery, call your oral surgeon as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about tooth extraction or any oral surgery procedure, please contact our office. We offer free consultation and X-ray for our patients.

Tooth extractions aren’t known for being particularly comfortable, unfortunately. Dentists do their best to prevent pain during the procedure by using anesthesia. 

Reasons Why Throbbing Pain After Extraction Should Be Monitored

The discomfort you feel after the medicine wears off is still better than the pain of an infected tooth. If throbbing pain occurs after your extraction, then it could be from one of these 3 common causes.

Check for Signs of Normal Healing Pain

Your body has special pain receptors that respond when they detect damage or trauma. A tooth extraction involves irritating your gums and the underlying bone. 

Although your dentist is careful to avoid causing unnecessary trauma, your body recognizes this as an injury.

Normal healing pain typically becomes noticeable after the oral anesthetic wears off. It tends to worsen over the next several hours. After peaking sometime within the first 24 hours, you’ll notice it gradually improving. 

Most people feel mostly pain-free by the third or fourth day. Some swelling and soreness can continue throughout the first week.

Throbbing pain during the first 24 hours after your extraction is likely just a sign that your body is healing. The pain should respond well to any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take. 

It may also decrease with basic self-care. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your cheek can help soothe the inflammation that causes pain.

Watch Out for Dry Socket

Removing a tooth leaves a small hole in your gums. A blood clot fills this hole and protects the underlying bone and nerves. Sometimes, a clot fails to form properly. One can also be lost before the tissue has a chance to fill in the hole. 

When this happens, you may have a dry socket. As air and food reach the nerve in the extraction site, you may feel excruciating pain. 

Dry socket responds well to cleaning out the area so that no food debris remains. We can also pack it with medicated gauze to encourage healing and protect the underlying bone and nerve.

Some people develop dry socket without any obvious reason why. You can do your best to prevent it by avoiding things that could dislodge the clot, such as smoking, or drinking from a straw.

Treat Painful Infections

Bacteria can sometimes invade the extraction site. You are more likely to develop an infection if you have gum disease. Forgetting to keep up your oral hygiene routine can also lead to infections. 

We’ll let you know when you should start brushing and flossing again. Usually, you can brush your teeth after 24 hours, and you could be able to floss soon after. With both types of oral care, you’ll want to avoid the extraction site while it heals.

Throbbing pain isn’t the only symptom that you’ll likely notice with an infection. Swelling might increase during the time when it should be going down. You could also have a fever or see pus coming from the area. 

Infections may be treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Usually, you’ll notice relief within a day or two after starting treatment.

Following our aftercare recommendations is the best way to avoid throbbing pain. If you experience pain that doesn’t respond to medicine, then give us a call. We can treat dry socket and infections so that you can get back on track with your healing.