What Happens During A Tooth Extraction And What Is Done For Tooth Extraction Pain?
The most common teeth to be extracted are the four wisdom teeth. These teeth are the third set of molars that appear in most people during their late teens or early twenties. If the wisdom teeth are properly aligned with the other teeth, they pose no problem. However, most often they are misaligned horizontally and this can cause crowding and/or damage to adjacent teeth. Sometimes the teeth do not grow through the gum tissue which is called impacted teeth. This condition can cause infection which results in swelling, soreness and possible gum disease. If these conditions exist, the dentist may recommend the extraction of the four wisdom teeth. Extraction for younger people generally is much less difficult since the teeth have a less developed bone, while extraction for older adults may require a greater amount of recovery time since the bone is much denser.
If They Are Impacted
The impacted tooth may be the most difficult to extract since it will require an incision as well as possible extraction in pieces of the tooth. This will minimize the effect on the jawbone.
The Worst Of The Pain
After completion of the extraction, it should be expected that tooth extraction pain may occur and could last for a few days. The worst pain will probably occur in the first 12 hours after the extraction. Pain from the surgical removal of teeth will probably be more severe and last longer. Dentists and oral surgeons will suggest various types of pain medications depending upon the amount of pain. The medications range from over-the-counter types to prescription medications. The pain relievers may need to be taken from 3 to 4 days.
A Little Bleeding Is Normal
Bleeding after the extraction is normal and will slow down after the first couple hours. It should completely end after 24 hours. Throughout this time, a soft and liquid diet should be adhered to with the food being kept away from the extraction area. If there is swelling, pieces of ice can be used for the swollen area.
After 24 hours, a lot of progress should be seen. If there is still some bleeding, placing a gauze piece or tea bag on the spot can help. If swelling still persists, then the diet of soft food and liquid may need to be continued. A warm saline solution rinse in the mouth may also provide additional relief.
In 36 hours a good recovery should be occurring. On occasion, some people experience a throbbing sensation which may be caused by a “dry socket”. This condition occurs when the blood clot that had formed to protect the jawbone and nerves has been dislodged and foreign elements enter the tooth socket. This condition can cause infection and it will need to be treated by the dentist or oral surgeon. Pain from this condition may last from five to six additional days.
Home Free In 48 Hours
After 48 hours with no infection, the pain should be greatly reduced and swelling has become minimal. Saline rinses may be continued to keep the mouth free from any infection. If sutures were used, the oral surgeon will remove them in the seventh to tenth day. All will be well and the procedure has been successfully completed.
Incoming search terms:
- tooth extraction pain
- early wisdom teeth
- wisdom teeth extraction
- what does a properly healing tooth extraction look like
- is tooth extraction painful
- expected jaw bone pain after infected tooth extraction
- wisdom teeth removal pain
- wisdom teeth recovery in older adults
- what happens after tooth extraction pain
- what does the blood clot look like at tooth extraction
