Concerns About Swelling and Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Q: Concerns About Swelling and Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Hello Mr. <br>Zheng： 1. <br>As long as proper oral hygiene is maintained, the swelling and pain will gradually subside. <br>2. <br>It is possible that the tooth extraction process may have affected the alveolar bone, leading to a persistent inflammatory condition of the bone. <br

I am a bit concerned about the swelling and pain recovery status after having my wisdom teeth removed?

Hello, Director.
I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted on February 22, and the procedure took about 20 minutes.
After the extraction, 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 some remaining.
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 additional medication.

By March 14, three weeks post-surgery, the swelling felt slightly reduced compared to March 1, but the decrease was 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 compared to the first week after the surgery.
The pain has improved to the point where it only hurts when I open my mouth wide, and I can eat normally without pain.

I would like to ask you: 1) Based on the recovery status described above, should I just continue to wait for natural recovery, allowing the swelling and pain to gradually subside, or should I seek a detailed examination at a major hospital? 2) If you believe a detailed examination at a major hospital is necessary, could you tell me what issues I might be experiencing? 3) Generally speaking, while not everyone experiences this, is it common for a significant number of individuals to require a month (or longer) to fully resolve swelling and pain after wisdom tooth extraction due to their physical condition? Thank you, Director.

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

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Hello Mr.
Zheng: 1.
As long as proper oral hygiene is maintained, the swelling and pain will gradually subside.
2.
It is possible that the tooth extraction process may have affected the alveolar bone, leading to a persistent inflammatory condition of the bone.
3.
Generally speaking, if the wisdom tooth is misaligned and requires cutting into the alveolar bone for successful extraction, the swelling and pain may last longer after the procedure.
Dr.
Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2024/03/15

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is common to experience swelling and discomfort, but the duration and intensity can vary significantly among individuals. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a typical recovery process, albeit with some concerns about the duration of your swelling and pain.

1. Recovery Process: It is generally expected that swelling peaks within the first 48 to 72 hours post-surgery and then gradually subsides. The fact that your swelling has decreased significantly within the first week is a positive sign. However, it is not uncommon for some residual swelling to persist for several weeks, especially in the case of lower wisdom teeth, which can be more complicated due to their position and the surrounding anatomy. The pain you describe when opening your mouth is also a common symptom as the muscles and tissues around the extraction site heal.

2. When to Seek Further Evaluation: If your swelling continues to decrease and the pain is manageable, it is likely that you can continue to wait for natural recovery. However, you should seek further evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- Increased swelling or pain after the initial recovery period.

- Signs of infection, such as fever, persistent pain, or discharge from the extraction site.

- Difficulty opening your mouth that worsens over time.

- Any unusual symptoms that cause concern.

If you feel uncertain or if your symptoms worsen, it is always best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon for a thorough evaluation. They may perform an examination or take imaging studies to rule out complications such as dry socket, infection, or other issues.

3. Duration of Recovery: While many individuals may see significant improvement within a week, some may take longer to fully recover due to various factors, including individual healing responses, the complexity of the extraction, and pre-existing health conditions. It is not unusual for some patients to experience swelling and discomfort for several weeks, especially if the extraction was more complicated or if there were any complications during the procedure.

In summary, your recovery appears to be within the normal range, but it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. Continue to follow your dentist's post-operative care instructions, maintain good oral hygiene, and manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief as needed. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. Your health and comfort are the priority, and they can provide reassurance or intervention if necessary.

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