Wisdom teeth can cause pain or other oral problems. In some cases, doctors suggest wisdom tooth extraction. You may also be facing this issue and want to extract wisdom teeth. A question comes to everyone’s mind: Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
Some say it is a painful procedure, while others say no. What is the actual answer to this question? It is undoubtedly painful; however, if treatment is done correctly, pain can be reduced to a maximum level.
This blog will help you understand how painful this procedure is, what causes pain, and how long the pain lasts. We will also provide tips to help you heal early after tooth extraction.
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?
Let’s start with the big question. The truth is, most people don’t feel much pain during the surgery. Dentists or oral surgeons use local anesthesia, which completely numbs the area. Sometimes, they even offer sedation or general anesthesia, especially if you’re getting more than one tooth out. You may feel pressure, but not sharp pain.
However, wisdom tooth extraction pain usually begins after the surgery, once the numbing wears off. This is normal. The pain varies from person to person. Some may only feel mild soreness, while others may be more uncomfortable, especially if the tooth was impacted or stitches were needed.
What Does the Pain Feel Like?
The pain after wisdom teeth removal is usually described as throbbing, sore, or tender. It’s a bit like your ache after biting your cheek or hitting your gum, but a little stronger. You might also feel some pressure in your jaw or swelling in your cheeks.
The first 24 to 48 hours after surgery are usually the most uncomfortable. But again, it’s not unbearable for most people. Pain medicines your dentist prescribes or over-the-counter ones like ibuprofen can greatly help. If the pain feels too sharp or lasts longer than expected, it’s important to call your dentist immediately.
What Affects the Level of Pain?
Everyone’s wisdom teeth removal experience is different. Some people have teeth that are easy to remove because they’ve fully grown in and sit straight.
Others have teeth that are stuck or impacted, which means the dentist has to do a bit more work to extract them. These cases often cause more swelling and soreness after the surgery.
Your overall health also matters. Your wisdom tooth surgery discomfort might worsen if you’re already dealing with gum problems, dry mouth, or low immunity. Smoking or not following the aftercare steps can also lead to more pain or even infections.
How Long Does the Pain Last?
The healing time for wisdom tooth extractions usually depends on how complicated the removal was. For simple extractions, the pain may only last 2 to 3 days. For more complex cases, it might take about a week or more.
The swelling decreases by day three, and the pain starts to fade. However, the area might still feel tender when you eat or brush your teeth for up to 10 days. Full healing of the socket (the hole where the tooth was) can take a few weeks.
What Is the Tooth Extraction Recovery Like?
Right after the surgery, your dentist will give you gauze to bite on to stop the bleeding. You’ll be told to rest, raise your head, and avoid spitting or using straws for at least 24 hours. All of this helps prevent a condition called dry socket, which can make pain worse.
Your tooth extraction recovery also includes eating soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, or scrambled eggs. For a few days, you’ll want to avoid crunchy or spicy foods. Most people can go back to school or work within two to three days, though some prefer taking more time to rest.
Managing Pain After Wisdom Tooth Removal
The best way of managing pain after wisdom tooth removal is by following your dentist’s advice closely. This often includes:
- Taking pain medicine on time.
- Apply a cold pack, and it will reduce swelling.
- After that, wait for 24 hours and rinse your mouth gently with salty water.
- Keeping your mouth clean but avoiding brushing near the area for the first day.
Try not to poke around the surgery site with your tongue or fingers. This can slow down healing and cause more pain. If your pain worsens or you notice pus, fever, or a change in taste, these could be signs of infection. Don’t wait—call your dentist right away.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery Tips
Here are some wisdom tooth removal recovery tips to help you heal quickly.
- Rest as much as you can, especially in the first 48 hours.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Don’t smoke or vape, as these can slow healing.
- Stick to cold or room-temperature drinks to avoid irritating the area.
Also, try to sleep with your head slightly raised. This helps lower swelling and pressure in your jaw. Talk to a friend or family member if you feel anxious or emotional. It’s okay to feel nervous, and talking about it often helps.
How to Tell if Something’s Wrong?
As we said earlier, mild pain is normal. But some signs shouldn’t be ignored. If you are having extreme pain that does not go away, large amounts of bleeding, or signs of infection, immediately contact your dentist. Catching problems early can make a big difference.
One rare but painful issue is dry socket. It usually happens when the blood clot at the site comes loose or never forms. It leaves the bone exposed and causes sharp pain that can spread to your ear or neck. If this happens, your dentist can clean the area and help you heal properly.
Where to Get Wisdom Tooth Extraction Treatment?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a detailed procedure that requires careful care to make it effective and less painful. Proper techniques, tools, and a trained doctor are needed to complete this job. Getting this treatment from a cheap or untrained doctor can be harmful. You may face problems not only during the procedure but also after the procedure, which may need further treatment.
So, always try to get this treatment from an experienced and trusted dentist. Northside Family Dental is one of the best service providers that can make tooth extraction a comfortable procedure. They have everything, including modern techniques, tools, and senior doctors, but offer services at very affordable prices.
Final Thoughts
Well, you have gone through our guide and know how painful wisdom tooth extraction can be. It can be a severely painful procedure if not done properly. However, if you get this treatment from a reliable clinic like Northside Family Dental, your procedure can be very comfortable. Once you get the treatment, take care and follow the guidelines we have provided above. This will help you heal quickly after the procedure.