Why Does My Gums Hurt After Tooth Extraction Without Nerves?

Q: Why Does My Gums Hurt After Tooth Extraction Without Nerves?

Hello： The gums themselves are also innervated, so they can still experience pain. <br>Additionally, since there is a significant treatment plan ahead, if you have any questions, you can communicate in detail with your original physician. <br>You may also seek a second or third o

Why does the gums still hurt after the tooth root has been extracted?

Hello Doctor: Due to a long-standing fear of dentists, I have developed issues with my upper teeth, resulting in either missing teeth or untreated cavities, which have led to the need for tooth extractions.
I am considering subsequent orthognathic surgery and either dental implants or dentures.
I have had multiple extractions of the upper tooth roots; the first two or three were normal, but during the healing period after the last extraction, I experienced occasional severe pain in the gums where the stitches are, resembling tooth pain.
This pain is not constant, so I waited until the stitch removal day to ask my attending physician about it.
He mentioned that it could be related to the stitches and that the pain should subside after removal.
However, just 4 or 5 days later, I experienced sudden pain at night, severe enough that I had to take acetaminophen.
I cannot understand why I would feel tooth pain in the gums when there are no nerves or teeth present, which has led me to question the physician's expertise and my trust in him.
Since this is just the beginning, with orthognathic surgery and other procedures still to come, I am considering consulting other major hospitals.
After all, this process will require a significant investment of time and money, and the functionality of my teeth and food absorption are crucial.
As someone who is completely unfamiliar with this area, I can only seek your advice, and I appreciate your help.

LoLo, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/25

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: The gums themselves are also innervated, so they can still experience pain.
Additionally, since there is a significant treatment plan ahead, if you have any questions, you can communicate in detail with your original physician.
You may also seek a second or third opinion at a major hospital without too much anxiety.
Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/10/25

More Info

After a tooth extraction, especially one involving the removal of the nerve, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort or pain in the gums. This can be perplexing, particularly when one assumes that the absence of a tooth and its nerve would eliminate any sensation of pain. However, several factors can contribute to this phenomenon.

Firstly, even after a tooth has been extracted and the nerve removed, the surrounding tissues, including the gums, can still be sensitive and inflamed. The extraction process itself can cause trauma to the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and pain. This is a natural response of the body as it heals. The area where the tooth was removed may take time to recover, and during this healing phase, it is not unusual to experience intermittent pain or discomfort.

Secondly, if stitches were used during the extraction, they can sometimes irritate the surrounding gum tissue. If the stitches are too tight or if they are placed in a way that causes friction against the gums, this can lead to localized pain. It is essential to follow up with your dentist to ensure that the stitches are not causing any complications and to have them removed at the appropriate time.

Another possible reason for the pain could be related to the healing process itself. After an extraction, the body goes through a process of tissue regeneration. This can sometimes lead to the formation of a dry socket, a condition where the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This condition can be quite painful and typically requires additional treatment from a dentist.

Additionally, if there was any pre-existing infection or inflammation in the area before the extraction, this could also contribute to ongoing pain after the procedure. Even if the nerve was removed, the infection could still affect the surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort.

It is also worth considering the psychological aspect of dental procedures. Anxiety and fear surrounding dental work can heighten the perception of pain. If you have a history of dental anxiety, this could influence how you experience pain post-extraction.

Given your concerns about the pain and the trust in your dentist's expertise, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another dental professional, particularly if the pain persists or worsens. A thorough examination, including X-rays, can help determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, pain in the gums after a tooth extraction without nerves can result from several factors, including inflammation from the extraction process, irritation from stitches, the healing process, potential dry socket, or pre-existing infections. If the pain continues, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional for further evaluation and management. Your comfort and confidence in your dental care are paramount, especially as you consider future procedures like orthognathic surgery and implants.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Gum Pain After Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions

After tooth extraction, if the adjacent gums hurt when touched, it may be due to several reasons. It could be a normal part of the healing process, as the surrounding tissues may be inflamed or sensitive. Alternatively, it could indicate an infection, dry socket, or irritation fr...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
After tooth extraction, the adjacent gums may experience pain, which could be due to the compression of the gum tissue during the extraction process, leading to an inflammatory response. If the wound is kept clean after the extraction, the gum pain will gradually subside.

Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Why Is My Tooth Nerve Hurting?

It has been about a month since I had my wisdom teeth removed, but the wound has not fully healed yet. During the first two weeks after the extraction, I didn't have major issues while eating, but I experienced sharp pain in the dental nerve, especially when consuming sweet ...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Mr. Andy, Hello! Based on what you described, it is possible that you are experiencing pain in your second molar. If the pain is severe, a root canal treatment may be necessary. Please communicate more with your dentist. Thank you! Wishing you good health! Sincerely, Dr...

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

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 too...

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...

Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Issues and Recovery

Hello, after having my wisdom teeth removed and stitches taken out for over two weeks, I feel a tightness and muscle pulling sensation when I open my mouth. Additionally, I experience soreness in the area in front of the wound when eating. Is this normal? One of the teeth had a r...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Ms. Wen, Hello! After wisdom tooth extraction, it is normal to experience tightness in the gums and a sensation of muscle pulling. The soreness may also occur, as there might be a socket left from the extraction where food can easily get trapped. If not cleaned out, this co...