Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery and Related Pain

Wisdom tooth extraction recovery?

Hello, Doctor.
About three months ago, I had my lower horizontal wisdom tooth and a molar with a cavity extracted.
After performing root canal treatment on the molar, the wisdom tooth was removed.
The wisdom tooth extraction site stopped hurting after about a week.
Recently, I've been experiencing some discomfort in my lower teeth and initially thought it was due to the molar that underwent root canal treatment.
However, after consulting with my doctor and having a re-evaluation, the root canal appears to be fine.
The pain seems to be coming from the gums behind the molar.
I noticed slight bleeding when using an interdental brush on that area.
Could this be due to the wisdom tooth extraction site not fully healing, or could it be related to other periodontal issues?

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/01

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Consult a physician to check if the extraction site of your wisdom tooth is inflamed, especially since it has only been a little over a week since the extraction and the wound has not fully healed, which raises the possibility of inflammation or infection.
Dr.
Tseng Guang-Hui from Nantou Hospital's Dental Department.

Reply Date: 2021/04/01

More Info

Understanding the recovery process after wisdom tooth extraction, particularly when accompanied by pain, is essential for managing expectations and ensuring proper healing. In your case, it has been three months since the extraction of your lower horizontal wisdom tooth and the subsequent removal of a decayed molar after root canal treatment. While it is common for the initial pain from the extraction site to subside within a week, ongoing discomfort in the surrounding teeth can raise concerns.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that the healing process following wisdom tooth extraction can vary significantly among individuals. The extraction site typically heals in stages, and while the surface may appear healed, deeper tissues may still be undergoing recovery. This is particularly true for cases involving impacted wisdom teeth, where the surrounding gum tissue and bone may take longer to fully heal. If you are experiencing pain in the lower teeth, especially around the area where the wisdom tooth was removed, it is possible that the extraction site has not completely healed, or that there may be residual inflammation.

Additionally, the pain you are experiencing could be related to other dental issues, such as periodontal disease or irritation of the gums. The fact that you noticed slight bleeding when using an interdental brush suggests that there may be some inflammation or irritation in the gum tissue. This could be due to food particles or plaque accumulation in the area, which can lead to gingivitis or other periodontal problems. It is advisable to maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the extraction site to avoid further irritation.

Another possibility is that the pain could be referred pain from the adjacent teeth or the area where the molar was extracted. Sometimes, the nerves in the jaw can transmit pain signals from one area to another, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of discomfort.
Given that your root canal-treated molar has been checked and found to be free of issues, it would be prudent to consider a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. A follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon is recommended to assess the healing of the extraction site and to rule out any underlying issues such as infection, bone fragments, or other dental complications.

In summary, while it is possible that the pain you are experiencing is related to the wisdom tooth extraction site, it could also stem from other dental issues. Continued discomfort three months post-extraction warrants further investigation to ensure that there are no complications affecting your oral health. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene practices are crucial for preventing and addressing any potential issues. If the pain persists or worsens, do not hesitate to seek professional advice to ensure a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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