Category: Tooth Extraction

How Long Does The Jaw Hurt After A Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but that doesn’t make them any more pleasant. Discomfort and swelling are to be expected after the procedure, and jaw pain can be a significant part of that. But fear not, brave tooth-loser! This pain is temporary, and with proper care, you’ll be back to chomping on your favorite foods in no time.

Understanding the Why Behind the Ouch

Let’s delve into the culprit behind your throbbing jaw. During a tooth extraction, your dentist essentially creates a wound in your mouth. The muscles you use for chewing are located near the extraction site, and the inflammation caused by the procedure can irritate these muscles, leading to soreness and stiffness. Additionally, the dentist might need to manipulate your jaw during the extraction, which can further contribute to discomfort.

The Healing Timeline: From Ouch to Ahhh

While everyone heals at their own pace, here’s a general timeline for what to expect regarding jaw pain after tooth extraction:

  • The First Day: Brace yourself for some discomfort. The initial 24 hours are typically the most bothersome. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can effectively manage pain. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to reduce swelling.
  • Days 2-3: The swelling should start to subside, and the pain might feel more like a dull ache. Continue with pain relievers if needed, and switch to a warm compress to promote healing.
  • Days 4-7: You should experience significant improvement. The pain should be minimal; you might only need pain medication occasionally.
  • Days 7-10: Most of the jaw pain should be gone now. If you still have lingering soreness, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for advice.

Pro-Tip: Remember, this is just a general guideline. If your pain seems severe or isn’t improving as expected, consult your dentist.

Speeding Up Recovery: Be a Champion Healer

While you can’t control the healing process entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize jaw pain and promote a smooth recovery:

  • Rest and Relaxation: Your body requires energy to heal. Take time off work or school if possible, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Soupy Does It: Stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt for the first few days. Avoid chewing on the extraction site and opt for the opposite side of your mouth when possible.
  • Oral Hygiene is Key: Keeping your mouth clean is crucial to prevent infection, which can worsen pain. Gently brush your teeth and rinse with salt water after meals.
  • Warm Compresses: As the swelling subsides, switch from ice packs to warm compresses. The heat can help relax your jaw muscles and ease any lingering discomfort.

When to See the Dentist: Not All Pain is Created Equal

While some jaw pain after a tooth extraction is normal, there are situations that warrant a call to your dentist:

  • Throbbing or radiating pain that over-the-counter pain relievers can’t control
  • Increased swelling or redness around the extraction area
  • Fever or chills
  • Difficulty opening your mouth wide
  • Bad breath or pus coming from the extraction site

These could be signs of infection, dry socket (a painful condition when the blood clot protecting the extraction site dislodges), or other complications. Early intervention from your dentist is essential to address these issues and minimize discomfort.

Beyond the Basics: Optimizing Your Recovery for Long-Term Comfort

There are additional steps you can take to promote optimal healing and prevent future jaw problems:

  • Gentle Jaw Exercises: Once the initial discomfort subsides, your dentist might recommend gentle jaw exercises to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.
  • Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate pain, so incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your routine.
  • Maintain Good Posture: Poor posture can strain your jaw muscles. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, and avoid hunching over your computer or phone.
  • Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out toxins and promotes healing. Try to drink eight glasses of water each day.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Regular checkups with your dentist are crucial for monitoring your healing progress and identifying any potential problems early on.

By following these tips and listening to your body, you can ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of long-term jaw pain after tooth extraction. Remember, a Winchester dentist is always happy to answer your questions and provide personalized guidance throughout the healing process.

All About Dos And Don’ts After Tooth Extraction

Even though tooth extraction is usually the last resort, there are many reasons why it might be necessary. It could be because a tooth is stuck and putting pressure on healthy teeth next to it. Another possibility is that the tooth is sick and needs to be removed. Or, if there aren’t enough spaces in the mouth, teeth are pulled out to make more room for a healthy smile.

No matter why you need to get a tooth pulled, it’s essential to know that there are things you should and shouldn’t do after tooth extraction. So, let’s jump right in and take a closer look.

What To Do On the First Night After Tooth Extraction?

Rest And Get Better

Okay, so you don’t have to stay in bed after getting a tooth extracted, but you don’t want to push the area too hard, especially in the first 24 hours. With this in mind, try not to bend or stoop unnecessarily, and don’t do any exercise. Try to keep your head up as much as possible, including when you sleep at night. This will help you get better faster. Please take advantage of the fact that rest gives your body the tools to quickly get you back to normal.

Let The Area Where The Tooth Was Extracted Heal

When a tooth is pulled, you are usually told to bite down on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. This is done to form a blood clot where the tooth is pulled. This is normal and a normal part of getting better. The clot protects the site by acting as a barrier, so it needs to be given time to form. If it isn’t given time to grow, the bone and nerves underneath could be exposed to air, food, or liquids, leading to an infection. If you’re bleeding a lot, you might want to change the gauze, but the most important thing is to do what the dentist says.

Take In Lots Of Water

After an hour or so, when the blood clot has formed, drinking a lot of water is essential to keep yourself hydrated. Be careful not to move it around too much in your mouth, and don’t drink through a straw. Any sucking motion will disturb the newly formed blood clot. You can also make a light saline solution by mixing a little bit of water and salt. Then, gently move this over the area, but don’t spit on it. Instead, let any water from your mouth naturally fall into the sink.

Think About Ice Packs

Patients shouldn’t expect to swell after having a simple tooth extracted. But if a tooth extraction is a more complicated procedure, the patient may experience some swelling.

This is normal, and it usually starts within the first 24 hours and peaks on the second or third day. If your tooth extraction doesn’t look like it will go smoothly, your dentist will probably tell you to use an ice pack to eliminate any swelling quickly. If this is the case, you should put ice on the side of your face where the procedure was done for 15 minutes at a time, then take a break for 15 minutes. This should take between an hour and two hours.

Remember that ice packs help most when used within 24 hours after a tooth is pulled. So, if you have to, start them early.

Visit Your Dentist

Lastly, go back to your dentist. If you are still bleeding after 24 hours or are in a lot of pain, you should go back to your dentist. There may be something wrong with the place where the tooth was taken out, and this needs to be looked into more. Remember that it’s easier to deal with and treat problems when caught early, so don’t ignore any symptoms that don’t seem necessary.

Now that you know what to do after getting a tooth extracted, let’s look at what you shouldn’t be doing.

Here Are Some Things You Shouldn’t Do

Smoking

You should give it up for at least 48 hours if you smoke. Chemicals in tobacco smoke can affect the clot and make it more likely that you will get a dry socket after having a tooth pulled.

Getting Drunk Or Drinking Carbonated Drinks

It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol for four days after having a tooth pulled, as these can also break up blood clots that have already formed.

Don’t Eat Certain Foods

Avoid chewy, crunchy, or spicy foods for at least the first 24 hours. Also, avoid foods with grains and seeds because they can hurt the area where the tooth was taken out. Instead, choose soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, fish, and yogurt. Try to avoid extremes of temperature, like anything too hot or cold.

Don’t Touch The Spot Where Your Tooth Is Extracted

Getting a tooth pulled out might seem strange, but you shouldn’t poke it with your tongue, finger, tissue, or toothpick. It can break up a blood clot, make you bleed more, and cause a dry socket.

Now you know what to do and what not to do after getting a tooth extraction.

If you are worried about getting a tooth pulled or have questions or concerns, come to our dental clinic and talk to the staff. We use the latest, most gentle methods and our years of experience to make the process as painless as possible for every patient. You can visit our dental clinic for same-day tooth extraction near me.