Common Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Pain, Healing, and Hygiene

Q: Common Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Pain, Healing, and Hygiene

Hello： 1. When there is nerve injury, it usually presents with numbness rather than a dull ache. However, individual sensitivity may vary. It is recommended to increase your intake of vitamin B and to relax and rest. 2. The main cause of discomfort in the ante

Many questions after wisdom tooth extraction?

Hello, doctor.
It has been five days since I had my wisdom teeth extracted.

1.
I am still experiencing a dull pain.
Could this be due to damage to my inferior alveolar nerve during the extraction process?
2.
In addition to the dull pain at the extraction site, the adjacent tooth also hurts when I bite down.
Is this normal?
3.
Regarding the bad breath, how long is it expected to last, and are there any methods to alleviate it? I have already been brushing my teeth and using mouthwash.

Mr. Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/10

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: 1.
When there is nerve injury, it usually presents with numbness rather than a dull ache.
However, individual sensitivity may vary.
It is recommended to increase your intake of vitamin B and to relax and rest.
2.
The main cause of discomfort in the anterior teeth is likely due to a large cavity in the back, which can lead to unusual sensations.
3.
Halitosis is caused by poor hygiene, low immunity, and the accumulation of bacteria.
It is advisable to increase the frequency of brushing and rinsing your mouth.
Wishing you peace and health.

Reply Date: 2016/10/10

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it's common to have several concerns regarding pain, healing, and hygiene. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Pain and Nerve Injury: It's not uncommon to experience lingering pain after wisdom tooth extraction, especially if the procedure was complicated. The discomfort you're feeling could be due to several factors, including inflammation, the healing process, or even nerve irritation. If the lower jaw nerve (inferior alveolar nerve) was indeed affected during the extraction, it could lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in the lower lip or chin. However, this is relatively rare, and most post-operative pain is due to normal healing and inflammation. If the pain persists or worsens, it's essential to consult your dentist or oral surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

2. Pain in Adjacent Teeth: Experiencing pain in the adjacent tooth after wisdom tooth extraction can also be normal. This could be due to several reasons, such as the proximity of the extraction site to the neighboring tooth, which may have experienced some trauma during the procedure. Additionally, if there was pre-existing dental issues with that tooth, the extraction could have exacerbated the pain. It’s crucial to monitor this pain; if it continues or intensifies, you should reach out to your dentist to rule out any complications, such as dry socket or infection.

3. Halitosis (Bad Breath): Bad breath after dental surgery is quite common and can be attributed to several factors, including the presence of food particles in the extraction site, the healing process, and the use of pain medications. The odor usually diminishes as the site heals. To help manage bad breath, continue to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth gently and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Rinsing with warm salt water can also promote healing and reduce bacteria in the mouth. If the bad breath persists beyond a week or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or increased pain, it may indicate an infection, and you should consult your dentist.

Additional Tips for Recovery:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

- Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid anything too hot, spicy, or crunchy that could irritate the extraction site. Foods like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies are good options.

- Hydration: Stay hydrated, but avoid using straws for at least a week, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.

- Follow-Up: Keep your follow-up appointment with your dentist to ensure proper healing and address any concerns you may have.

In summary, while some pain and discomfort after wisdom tooth extraction are normal, it's essential to monitor your symptoms and consult your dentist if you have any concerns about nerve damage, persistent pain in adjacent teeth, or ongoing bad breath. Proper care and attention to your oral hygiene will aid in a smoother recovery process.

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