Managing Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?

Q: Managing Pain and Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Do?

Hello： If you are experiencing difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, fever lasting more than 2 days, facial swelling with asymmetry, it is recommended that you go to the emergency room for prompt treatment to prevent acute infection. <br>If

Is there inflammation and swelling of the gums after wisdom tooth extraction?

Hello, I would like to ask about my situation.
Last Monday, I went to treat a cavity, and after the dentist cleaned my teeth, a small piece of tissue on my lower left wisdom tooth started to feel loose the next day (the wisdom tooth has only partially erupted).
Initially, the tissue was a bit painful, and I thought it might be due to the tooth coming in and would gradually subside, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
However, later on, the tissue behind the wisdom tooth began to hurt, and even eating became painful.
That day happened to be Sunday, and since the dental clinic was closed, I had to take over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication, but I only took them once.
The next morning, I was surprised to find that the inflammation had worsened and the swelling had increased to the point where it was almost covering the part of the wisdom tooth that had erupted (the swelling was now higher than the level of the tooth).
At that point, I could barely open my mouth due to the pain, and my throat also started to hurt a bit.
By Monday, I was unable to eat solid food and had to rely on liquids for nourishment.

On Monday afternoon at 5 PM, I went to the dental clinic, where they cleaned the affected tooth and prescribed a three-day course of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication to be taken four times a day.
However, as of today, Tuesday, I still haven't seen any reduction in swelling; the wisdom tooth is still mostly covered by the swelling, with only a small portion visible.

Should I continue taking the anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication until it's finished and see if the swelling goes down? I'm unsure of what to do.
I was even awakened at 4 AM by the discomfort in my teeth.
Should I finish the medication before returning for a follow-up, or is there something else I should do? I'm very anxious about this situation and worried because I've seen cases online of cellulitis...
I'm really scared.
The persistent swelling makes me anxious.
What should I do to manage this situation?

Phoebe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/28

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: If you are experiencing difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, fever lasting more than 2 days, facial swelling with asymmetry, it is recommended that you go to the emergency room for prompt treatment to prevent acute infection.
If you do not have the above symptoms, it is advised not to be overly anxious or stressed.
You may return to your original clinic to discuss your situation and subsequent treatment plan in detail with your physician.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Director of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/06/28

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, managing pain and swelling is crucial for a smooth recovery. It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and swelling, which can be common after such procedures, especially if there is an infection or inflammation involved. Here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms effectively:
1. Follow Your Dentist's Instructions: It's essential to adhere to the post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist. If they prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers, make sure to take them as directed. Completing the full course of antibiotics is vital to prevent or treat any potential infection.

2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain. If you were prescribed specific medications, ensure you take them as directed. If the pain persists or worsens, contact your dentist for further advice.
3. Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site can help reduce swelling. Use the ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. This can be particularly effective in the first 48 hours post-surgery.

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Since you mentioned difficulty eating, focus on consuming soft foods and liquids that are easy to swallow. Smoothies, yogurt, and soups can provide nutrition without aggravating your mouth. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the extraction site.

5. Rest and Elevation: Rest is crucial for recovery. Try to keep your head elevated while sleeping to help reduce swelling. Using an extra pillow can assist with this.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice increased swelling, persistent pain, fever, or any discharge from the extraction site, these could be signs of an infection. In such cases, it is essential to contact your dentist immediately.

7. Follow-Up Appointments: If your symptoms do not improve after completing the prescribed medication or if you feel that the swelling is not subsiding, it is advisable to return to your dentist for a follow-up appointment. They may need to assess the extraction site for any complications, such as dry socket or infection.

8. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It’s best to avoid these substances during your recovery period.

9. Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the extraction site. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours to help keep the area clean and promote healing. Avoid vigorous rinsing, as this can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket.

10. Stay Calm: It’s understandable to feel anxious about your recovery, especially with the swelling and pain you are experiencing. However, many people go through similar experiences after wisdom tooth extraction. Keeping in touch with your dentist and following their advice will help you navigate this recovery process.

In summary, while it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling after wisdom tooth extraction, persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Following your dentist's instructions, managing pain effectively, and monitoring your symptoms closely will help ensure a smoother recovery. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental care provider for guidance.

Similar Q&A

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Dealing with Inflammation and Pain

Last Friday, I had my wisdom tooth extracted, and I've noticed that the wound has been very painful. However, I had previously had another wisdom tooth removed without this level of discomfort. So, I went back to see the doctor on Monday. He said that the swelling was due to...

Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan reply Dentistry
Dear online user, Based on your description, it seems that you are still experiencing pain at the extraction site after having your wisdom teeth removed. I recommend that you return to your dentist for an examination to check if there are any abnormalities with the wound. If ne...

Managing Swollen Gums After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Tips for Recovery

I am currently working in Japan and plan to return to Taiwan on August 7 for a week. About a month ago, I started experiencing pain in the gums near my lower left wisdom tooth, which I suspect is related to a cold (I rarely visit the dentist and seldom get dental cleanings). My w...

Dr. Zhuang Suhui reply Dentistry
Hello: It sounds like there may be an infection in the wound and the surrounding gums. I recommend that in addition to pain relievers, you should also take antibiotics for better effectiveness. If the infection is well-controlled, it should improve within a week.

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding Pain and Swelling

Hello Doctor: I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on May 3rd. It was impacted, and after removing the gauze one hour post-surgery, I noticed that it was still bleeding, so I placed a new gauze to stop the bleeding (the wound felt quite large; the doctor mentioned that my ...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
If the impacted wisdom tooth is tilted, the surgical procedure is more complex. It may require the elevation of a soft tissue flap and the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces. Additionally, some surrounding alveolar bone may need to be removed to completely extract...

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Common Issues and Relief Strategies

Hello, I had my upper and lower right wisdom teeth extracted on August 2nd. The lower one was a horizontal wisdom tooth that required incision and suturing, and both teeth were extracted with some force. About 3-4 days later, the outer side of my lower second molar became swollen...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: If there has been grinding on the alveolar bone, it can indeed be more painful. If there is a slight hematoma during percussion, it may also cause discomfort in the gum area. It is recommended to continue taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Additionall...