Throat Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Expect

Wisdom teeth causing sore throat?

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask a question.
I had my lower right impacted wisdom tooth extracted on the night of April 27, and I had stitches afterward.
From that day until April 30, I experienced severe throat pain, and swallowing saliva was painful.
The extraction site also felt like it was being pulled, and my right cheek felt tight and uncomfortable.
Is this normal? I have been taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication, but the effect has not been very good.
For the past few days, I have only been able to eat porridge; opening my mouth to bite causes pain at the extraction site, making it difficult to eat anything else.
How long will it take before I can eat normally? Additionally, I was originally scheduled to have the stitches removed in 10 days, but due to work commitments, I can only reschedule for 17 days later.
Will this affect the healing of the wound? Is there a risk of infection at the stitch site?

Yue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/29

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
Yue,
Hello! Extracting a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth is a surgical procedure, and experiencing swelling and pain is normal due to bleeding within the bone tissue.
The deeper the wisdom tooth is buried, the larger and deeper the incision will be, resulting in more significant bleeding.
Typically, improvement is seen within a week.
If you experience increased swelling, high fever, rapid heartbeat, or increased breathing rate, please seek medical attention promptly.
Stitches are usually removed after one week, but they may take up to three weeks to dissolve completely, during which inflammation can occur.
You may also visit a nearby clinic for stitch removal.
You can generally return to a normal diet after one week.
Please communicate frequently with your physician.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2019/04/29

More Info

After undergoing a wisdom tooth extraction, especially a complex one like the horizontal impaction you described, it is not uncommon to experience throat pain, discomfort, and a sensation of tightness in the surrounding areas. The pain you are experiencing when swallowing, as well as the pulling sensation near the extraction site, can be attributed to several factors related to the surgical procedure.

Firstly, the extraction of a wisdom tooth, particularly one that is impacted, often involves significant manipulation of the surrounding tissues, including the gums and sometimes the jawbone. This manipulation can lead to inflammation and swelling, which may extend to the throat area, causing pain when swallowing. The sensation of tightness in your cheek could be due to swelling or inflammation in the soft tissues surrounding the extraction site.

The pain you are experiencing is also likely exacerbated by the fact that the extraction site is still healing. The body responds to surgical trauma with inflammation, which is a natural part of the healing process. However, this inflammation can lead to discomfort and pain, especially when you attempt to eat or move your jaw. It is essential to follow your dentist's or oral surgeon's post-operative care instructions, including taking prescribed pain medications and anti-inflammatories as directed.

Regarding your concerns about diet, it is advisable to stick to soft foods for the first few days following the extraction. Foods like oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies are good options. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods can help minimize irritation to the extraction site. As your healing progresses, you should gradually be able to reintroduce more solid foods into your diet, but this can vary from person to person. Typically, patients can expect to return to a normal diet within a week or two, depending on their individual healing process.

As for your concern about the timing of your suture removal, it is generally recommended to have sutures removed within 7 to 10 days after surgery. Delaying the removal of sutures can sometimes lead to complications, such as infection or delayed healing, especially if the sutures become embedded in the tissue. However, if you have a valid reason for postponing the appointment, it is crucial to monitor the extraction site closely for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any concerning symptoms, it would be wise to contact your dentist or oral surgeon sooner rather than later.

In summary, while the throat pain and discomfort you are experiencing after your wisdom tooth extraction can be distressing, it is not uncommon. Ensuring proper post-operative care, adhering to a soft diet, and monitoring your healing process will be key to a smooth recovery. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Your health and comfort should always be a priority, and timely communication with your dental care team can help address any concerns you may have.

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