Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: When to Worry About Swelling and Pain?

Q: Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: When to Worry About Swelling and Pain?

Hello： As you mentioned, the wounds are continuously healing in a positive direction. <br>It is recommended to be patient and allow your body to recover. <br>Many examinations are invasive (such as contrast agent injections, repeated X-ray exposure, blood draws, etc.), and if the

It has been three weeks since the wisdom tooth extraction, and the swelling and pain have not completely resolved?

Hello, Director Lin.
I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on February 22, and the surgery lasted about 20 minutes.
After the procedure, my cheek was quite swollen, but once the anesthesia wore off, the pain was manageable.
I took the pain medication prescribed by the doctor for four days and then stopped.
By March 1, one week post-surgery, the swelling had noticeably decreased, although there was still a bit of swelling.
The pain was only present when I opened my mouth; I did not experience any fever, headache, or other symptoms.
On that day (March 1), I returned for a follow-up appointment to have the stitches removed.
The doctor mentioned that it would take a month for complete recovery and did not perform any special procedures or prescribe any medication.
By March 14, three weeks post-surgery, the swelling felt slightly reduced compared to March 1, but the decrease was very slow (compared to the first week).
The area of swelling had also shrunk a bit (I took selfies for comparison).
Overall, the rate of swelling reduction seems much slower than in the first week after the surgery.
The pain has improved to the point where it only hurts when I open my mouth wide; I can eat normally without pain.
I would like to ask you, Director: 1) Based on the recovery status described above, should I just continue to wait for natural recovery and let the swelling and pain gradually subside, or should I quickly go to a larger hospital for a detailed examination? 2) If you think it is necessary to go to a larger hospital for a detailed examination, could you tell me what issues I might be experiencing? 3) Generally speaking, while it may not apply to everyone, is it common for a significant number of people to take a month (or even longer) to completely reduce swelling and pain after wisdom tooth extraction due to individual differences in physiology? Thank you, Director.

Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/15

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: As you mentioned, the wounds are continuously healing in a positive direction.
It is recommended to be patient and allow your body to recover.
Many examinations are invasive (such as contrast agent injections, repeated X-ray exposure, blood draws, etc.), and if there are no acute discomfort or other strong indications, additional tests will not accelerate wound healing and may even delay recovery.
If you are very concerned, it is advisable to regularly return to the extraction site for evaluation and treatment by the oral surgeon.

Reply Date: 2024/03/15

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is common to experience swelling and pain as part of the healing process. However, the duration and intensity of these symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a gradual reduction in swelling and pain, which is a positive sign. Here’s a detailed response to your questions:
1. Should you continue to wait for natural recovery, or seek further evaluation?
Given that your swelling has decreased significantly since the extraction and that your pain is manageable (only occurring when opening your mouth wide), it appears that you are on the right track with your recovery. It is normal for swelling to peak around 48 to 72 hours post-surgery and then gradually decrease over the following weeks. The fact that you are able to eat normally without pain is encouraging. However, if you notice any sudden increase in swelling, severe pain, or if you develop fever or other systemic symptoms, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation. In the absence of these concerning symptoms, it is generally acceptable to continue monitoring your recovery.

2. What could potentially be causing your prolonged swelling and pain?
While your symptoms seem to align with a typical recovery timeline, there are a few factors that could contribute to prolonged swelling and discomfort. These include:
- Infection: Although you mentioned no fever or other systemic symptoms, localized infections can occur. If the extraction site becomes infected, it may lead to increased swelling and pain.

- Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis): This condition occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed, exposing the bone and nerves. It typically presents with severe pain a few days after extraction, but it can also lead to prolonged discomfort.

- Individual Healing Response: Some individuals may have a slower healing process due to various factors, including age, overall health, and individual biological responses to surgery.

3. Is it common for recovery to take a month or longer?
Yes, while many people experience significant improvement within the first week, it is not uncommon for some individuals to take several weeks to fully recover from wisdom tooth extraction. Factors such as the complexity of the extraction, the presence of impacted teeth, and individual healing rates can all influence recovery time. In general, most patients see substantial improvement within two weeks, but complete healing, including the resolution of swelling and tenderness, can take up to a month or longer in some cases.

In conclusion, based on your current symptoms and recovery progress, it seems that you are healing appropriately. Continue to monitor your symptoms, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow any post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Remember, every individual’s healing process is unique, and patience is key during recovery.

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