Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, crowding, or other problems in your mouth, removing them can be such a relief. It’s completely normal, though, to feel a bit worried about dealing with the pain after wisdom tooth removal. While experiencing a little pain after the surgery is a part of the recovery process, knowing how to manage this discomfort can make things much easier for you. The good news is there are simple and effective ways to manage the pain after the surgery and help you recover with less discomfort.
Easing Pain After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Here’s how you can minimise discomfort after wisdom teeth extraction and help the healing process:
Cold Packs: Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site. Use it for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Keep Your Head Elevated: For the first few nights, use a couple of pillows to keep your head elevated. Sleeping with your head in an elevated position can help reduce swelling and pain.
Salt Water Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every few hours and after meals, and you can start 24 hours after surgery. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. This helps to keep the area clean and reduce soreness.
Avoid Hard and Crunchy Foods: For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and applesauce. Hard or crunchy foods may irritate the wound and worsen your pain.
Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Be careful not to use a straw because the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket.
Rest: Try to rest and take it easy for a few days after your procedure. Heavy activities can cause more bleeding and swelling, which may slow down your recovery.
Before You Leave the Clinic
Below, you can find some practical steps to follow immediately after the procedure and before you leave the clinic:
Get Clear Instructions: Make sure you understand your dentist’s advice and instructions about how to take care of the extraction site. If it is possible, ask your dentist or the dental team to give you written guidelines so that you can check them later at home.
Painkillers: Your dentist may prescribe some pain relievers. It’s best to take the first dose before the anesthesia wears off to help with the initial discomfort.
Gauze Pad: Do not remove the gauze that your dentist placed over the extraction site immediately. Keep it in place for at least 30 minutes after wisdom tooth extraction, and try to bite down to reduce bleeding and help a clot form.
Activity Level: Avoid any physical activity for the rest of the day. Rest as much as possible to let your body start the healing process.
Prepare Ice Packs: It’s a good idea to keep some ice packs ready at home to help with swelling and numb the area. Ask your dentist how and how often to use them for the best results.
Pain Relief Medications Explained
Managing pain after wisdom teeth removal is easier when you know your medication options. Here’s a breakdown of both over-the-counter and prescription pain relief options and how to use them safely:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen): It helps reduce inflammation and pain. You can take 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours if needed, but make sure not to go over 1,200 mg in 24 hours unless your doctor says it’s okay.
Paracetamol (e.g., Panadol): It can be effective for mild to moderate pain. You can take 500 mg to 1 g every 4–6 hours, but don’t go over 4 g in a single day.
Prescription Pain Medications
Codeine: Codeine is usually used in combination with paracetamol to help with more severe pain. It’s stronger but might make you feel drowsy or cause constipation, so be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions when using it.
Other Opioids: For very severe pain, your dentist might prescribe a stronger opioid. Please make sure you use these according to your dentist’s instructions because they can have side effects and carry a risk of addiction.
Using Medications Safely
Follow Directions: Always use medications according to your dentist’s instructions or as written on the packaging.
Watch for Side Effects: Make sure you are aware of the medication’s side effects, like nausea, feeling drowsy, or allergic reactions, before you take them. If you experience any, contact your dentist or healthcare provider.
Avoid Mixing Medications: Don’t mix prescription painkillers with alcohol or other drugs. Also, be cautious about taking multiple types of pain relievers together if your doctor has told you it’s safe.
Home Remedies for Soothing Pain
Some people may decide to use natural remedies to relieve pain, but it’s important to be cautious because there isn’t much clinical proof that they work for dental pain. Always talk to your dentist or doctor before trying them.
Here’s a list of natural methods to try:
Warm Salt Water Rinses: From the second day after surgery, start rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort in your gums. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Clove Oil: Clove oil is famous for its numbing effect and may provide quick relief for dental pain. Apply a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and gently put it on the sore spot. Be careful not to use too much of the oil because it could irritate or harm your gums. It’s always a good idea to check with your dentist before using clove oil on the extraction site.
Peppermint Tea Bags: Peppermint has anti-inflammatory effects and can offer short-term relief when applied as a cool compress. Take a peppermint tea bag that has cooled down and gently place it on the painful area to help with the discomfort.
Turmeric Paste: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, but there isn’t much evidence to support its use after surgery. If you want to try it, mix turmeric powder with water to make a paste, apply it to the extraction site for a short time, and then rinse gently. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or dentist first to make sure it’s safe for you.
These home remedies are simple and may be effective in managing your pain after wisdom tooth removal naturally. However, if your pain persists or worsens, it’s important to consult your Perth dentist.
What to Eat and Avoid to Manage Pain after Wisdom Teeth Removal
After wisdom teeth removal, choosing the right foods can also be very important in your recovery process. Here’s a guide on what to eat and what to avoid to help manage pain and ensure a smooth healing process:
Foods to Eat
Soft Fruits: Applesauce, banana, and other soft fruits are gentle on the mouth.
Smoothies: Smoothies are full of nutrients and can be comforting, but make sure to drink them without a straw to avoid disturbing the blood clot.
Broths and Soups: Warm soups and broths are simple to eat and help keep you hydrated.
Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are soft, satisfying, and a great way to get some energy.
Yogurt: Yogurt can also be another good option. It is cool, smooth, and gentle on the extraction site, which can make it a soothing option for inflamed tissues.
Scrambled Eggs: Scrambled eggs are full of protein, soft and easy to chew and swallow and can be a great choice.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is another nice choice; it is nutritious and gentle on the mouth; just make sure it’s lukewarm.
Foods to Avoid
Crunchy Snacks: Avoid crunchy snacks like chips, popcorn, and crackers because they can irritate the wound or get stuck in the socket.
Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can cause inflammation in the extraction site and lead to discomfort.
Hard Fruits and Vegetables: Hard fruits and vegetables, such as raw carrots, apples, etc., can disturb the healing area.
Chewy Foods: Foods like gum, steak, or candies that require a lot of chewing can put extra pressure on the surgical site and slow down healing.
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages can dry out the mouth and also interact with your medications.
Signs Your Pain After Wisdom Teeth Removal Isn’t Normal
It’s normal to experience some discomfort or pain after wisdom tooth removal, but some symptoms may be telling you that there is something wrong. Here’s a list of signs that suggest your pain isn’t normal and that you should consult your dentist or doctor:
Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with prescribed medications or worsens over time.
Severe Swelling: Some swelling is normal, but if it worsens after the second day or doesn’t start to decrease after 72 hours, it could be a problem.
Fever: If you have a low-grade fever after your wisdom tooth surgery, it is normal. However, having a high or long-lasting fever may indicate an infection.
Pus or Unusual Discharge: If you notice any signs of pus or foul-smelling discharge from the extraction site, you need to visit your dentist.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: If it is getting harder and painful to open your mouth after wisdom tooth removal, you may be dealing with an infection.
Persistent Bleeding: Bleeding in the first 24 hours after wisdom tooth surgery is normal, but if it is severe or persists, visit your dentist to check it out.
Numbness: If you’re still feeling numb long after the anaesthetic wears off, it may be indicative of a nerve issue.
For further reading about wisdom teeth, refer to our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.
Book Your Follow-Up Appointment
Ensure your recovery is on track by booking a follow-up appointment with us today. A post-operative check is crucial to monitor your healing process and address any concerns swiftly. We take pride in being an HCF-preferred provider, NIB-preferred provider, Bupa-preferred provider, Medibank-preferred provider, and HBF-preferred provider dentist in Perth. Contact us (08) 9474 5083 to secure a time that suits you, and let us help you achieve the best recovery possible. Your health and comfort are our top priorities.