Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Running Pain and Discomfort Explained

After wisdom tooth extraction, running may cause a sensation of movement and soreness in the wound?

Hello, I had my upper and lower left wisdom teeth extracted on April 10.
There were no issues with impaction or misalignment; the extraction was recommended due to inflammation caused by incomplete eruption.
No surgical blade or sutures were used.
During the extraction of the lower wisdom tooth, I received the initial injection of local anesthesia, followed by 3-4 additional doses.
Starting around April 14, I began to feel a throbbing pain in the molar area extending to the left ear.
I returned to the original dental clinic to check the healing status of the extraction site.
Since the dentist who performed the extraction was on vacation, another dentist examined me.
He indicated that the healing was progressing well but noted the presence of an ulcer on the gum.
After cleaning and applying an oral ointment, the pain in the molar and the extraction site gradually improved.
On April 17, when the dentist cleaned the socket, I expressed that I still felt pain near the left ear.
The dentist reviewed the X-ray and suggested that it might be due to wear on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting from muscle tension after the extraction.
He recommended seeing a TMJ specialist or taking muscle relaxants.
Confirming that the healing was satisfactory, I resumed my regular running routine (3KM) on April 17.
My pace is not very fast, but I feel a sharp, aching sensation in the socket area while running, which is quite uncomfortable.
However, when I am not running, I do not experience this sensation, although I do feel a slight throbbing pain near the left ear, which is very mild and does not affect my daily activities.
The pain is more noticeable when I am at rest.
On April 21, during a follow-up visit for a cavity filling, I asked the original dentist about the aching sensation in the socket while running.
The dentist suggested it might be due to "blood vessels" growing, which could be affecting the area, and proceeded to fill another tooth.
Today, while running, I still experience this aching sensation in the socket.
Could this be related to the temporomandibular joint or possibly nerve involvement during the wisdom tooth extraction? Although it does not significantly impact my daily life, the aching sensation while running is quite bothersome.
Thank you for your assistance.

Tang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/04/22

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry

Dear Miss Tang,
Your issue may indeed be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
During the extraction of wisdom teeth, the dentist exerts significant force, and the patient must open their mouth wide, which increases the risk of straining a muscle called the lateral pterygoid that controls jaw movement.
Tightness in this muscle can lead to dislocation of the articular disc, resulting in noise during jaw movement and a sensation of fullness in the inner ear, which may even cause pain.
This can also pull on the wisdom tooth extraction site, leading to discomfort.
It is advisable to rest, as this will gradually improve.
Alternatively, medication and the use of an occlusal splint can also help alleviate symptoms more quickly.
Wishing you peace and health,
Dr.
Huang Chih-Cheng
Director, Department of Dentistry
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2015/04/22

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort or pain, especially when engaging in physical activities like running. The symptoms you describe, including the aching sensation in the area of the extraction and the discomfort near your left ear, can be attributed to several factors related to the dental procedure and the healing process.

Firstly, the extraction of wisdom teeth can lead to inflammation and irritation in the surrounding tissues, including the muscles and nerves associated with the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull and is responsible for the movement of your jaw. If there was any strain or tension in the muscles during the extraction, or if the jaw was held in an awkward position for an extended period, this could lead to muscle tightness and discomfort that may radiate to the ear region.

The pain you feel while running could be due to the increased blood flow and muscle activity in the area, which might exacerbate any existing inflammation or tension. When you run, the jarring motion can also cause the muscles around the jaw and TMJ to react, leading to discomfort. This is particularly true if you are subconsciously clenching your jaw or tensing your facial muscles while running, which can happen if you are experiencing discomfort or anxiety about the extraction site.

Additionally, the sensation of "酸痛" (soreness) in the extraction area could be related to the healing process. After a tooth extraction, the body goes through a natural healing phase where new tissue forms, and this can sometimes lead to sensations of pressure or discomfort as the area heals. The fact that you do not feel discomfort when you are not running suggests that the physical activity is triggering the sensitivity in the area.

Regarding the possibility of nerve involvement, while it is less common, it is possible for nerves to be affected during the extraction process, especially if the roots of the wisdom teeth are close to the nerves. However, since your dentist has indicated that the extraction site is healing well, it is less likely that there is significant nerve damage. Instead, the symptoms you are experiencing may be more related to muscle tension and inflammation rather than direct nerve injury.

To alleviate your discomfort while running, consider the following recommendations:
1. Rest and Recovery: Allow your body more time to heal before resuming intense physical activities. If running exacerbates your symptoms, it may be wise to take a break or reduce the intensity and duration of your runs.

2. Jaw Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques for your jaw, such as gentle stretching or massage of the jaw muscles. Being mindful of your jaw position while running can also help reduce tension.

3. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the area around the extraction site may help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.

4. Consult a Specialist: If the discomfort persists, consider consulting a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or a TMJ specialist, who can assess your symptoms more thoroughly and provide targeted treatment options.

5. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage any discomfort you experience during your recovery. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

6. Gradual Return to Running: When you feel ready to resume running, start with shorter distances and at a slower pace to gauge how your body responds. Pay attention to any discomfort and adjust accordingly.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to feel concerned about the discomfort you are experiencing while running post-extraction, it is likely related to muscle tension and the healing process rather than a significant complication. With proper care and attention to your body's signals, you should be able to return to your running routine comfortably. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking further evaluation from a healthcare professional is advisable.

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