People undergo wisdom tooth removal to address late-erupting teeth. While the extraction itself is relatively straightforward, patients often worry about the pain and recovery process that follows.
Understanding how to manage pain can help ease anxiety and ensure a smoother recovery. This article will cover pain relief options after wisdom teeth removal and recovery guidelines.
Why extract a wisdom tooth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually emerge between ages 17 and 25. Most people have one in each corner of the mouth. While they can sometimes come in without issues, their late eruption and limited space often cause pain and infection.
Wisdom teeth are extracted for several reasons:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth may become impacted because they do not have enough room to emerge properly. They can grow at an angle, pressing against other teeth, causing pain, swelling, and possible damage to adjacent teeth.
- Infection and decay: Wisdom teeth are more challenging to clean because they are positioned at the back of the mouth. Hard-to-reach areas that are not cleaned properly have an increased risk of cavities and infections.
- Prevention: If X-rays show potential for future issues, dentists would recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems. Early removal can prevent painful infections, cysts and even damage to adjacent teeth.
Pain relief options for wisdom tooth extraction
After a wisdom tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience pain once the anaesthesia wears off. Some pain relief options to manage the discomfort include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen (Nurofen ) or acetaminophen (Panadol) are often sufficient for managing mild to moderate pain after extraction.
- Prescription pain medications: For more severe pain, a dentist may give stronger pain relievers, such as opioids.
- Cold compresses: Applying an ice pack on the cheek near the extraction site can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
- Saltwater rinses: After the initial 24 hours post-surgery, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the extraction site clean and reduce discomfort.
Post-procedure care
Proper post-procedure care can minimise pain and promote healing after wisdom tooth extraction. Strictly follow any post-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon. Take prescribed medications, avoid certain foods, and maintain oral hygiene.
We recommend that you rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours to prevent increased bleeding and swelling. You should ideally eat soft, easy-to-chew foods like porridge and mashed potatoes to prevent irritation of the extraction site.
Recovery guidelines
While each person’s recovery experience may vary, here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Monitor pain levels: Pain typically peaks within the first 48 hours after surgery and should gradually improve. If the pain doesn’t subside or worsens, contact your oral surgeon’s clinic
- Maintain oral hygiene: Having a clean mouth is essential for preventing infection. Gently brush your teeth, avoid the extraction site, and use any prescribed mouthwash as directed.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid using straws. Drinking with straws can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.
- Look for signs of complications: Be aware of excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever, or pus, which could indicate an infection or other complications.
When to see a dentist
Most patients recover without any issues. However, if you encounter the following, you should contact your oral surgeon
- Severe pain or swelling: If pain or swelling persists beyond a few days or becomes increasingly severe, it could indicate an infection or other complication that needs medical attention.
- Fever: A persistent fever may suggest an infection and should be evaluated by an oral surgeon or medical doctor.
- Unusual discharge: If you notice any pus or have a foul taste in your mouth, it could be a sign of an infection that requires antibiotics.
- Dry socket: If you experience intense pain a few days after the extraction, particularly if it radiates to the ear or temple, you may have an infection of the socket ( dry socket) and should contact your Oral Surgeon’s clinic immediately.
Wisdom tooth removal in Singapore
Pain after wisdom tooth removal is expected, but there are ways to manage it. Always consult a Specialist Oral Surgeon to ensure the best possible care and outcomes.
Our oral surgeons at Specialist Oral Surgeons have years of experience in wisdom tooth extractions and surgery, including complex cases involving impacted teeth and proximity to nerves. We have the expertise to reduce the chance of complications and, if they do arise, to handle them swiftly and to reduce the risk of prolonged pain.
