Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are located in the last row of teeth in the mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 16 and 25. As the jawbones of modern people are generally smaller than before, many people will find that there is insufficient space for wisdom teeth to erupt, leading to various discomforts. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery, but for many people, the pain and recovery process after the surgery are often worrying. So, does wisdom tooth extraction hurt? This article will explore the pain level, causes, and pain relief measures of wisdom tooth extraction.
1. Sources of pain in wisdom tooth extraction
The pain of wisdom tooth extraction mainly comes from the following aspects:
Local tissue damage
When removing wisdom teeth, the dentist needs to perform certain operations on the surrounding soft tissues (such as gums) and hard tissues (such as bones). Especially when the wisdom teeth are located deep or the roots are curved, the surgery involves cutting the gums and bones. These operations can cause tissue damage and lead to postoperative pain.
Stress during surgery
During the wisdom tooth extraction process, the dentist needs to apply pressure with specific tools to loosen and remove the tooth. This pressure may cause irritation to the alveolar bone and nerves around the tooth root, causing pain.
Postoperative inflammatory response
The wound after tooth extraction is prone to infection, especially in the case of poor oral hygiene or improper postoperative care. Postoperative inflammation is one of the important factors causing pain. If the wound does not heal in time or becomes infected, the pain may last for a long time.
Individual Differences
Everyone's physical condition is different, and their tolerance to pain after tooth extraction is also different. Factors such as age, health status, and the growth location of wisdom teeth will affect the degree of pain. Young people generally recover faster, while older people may experience greater postoperative discomfort.
2. The pain level of wisdom tooth extraction
The degree of pain from wisdom tooth extraction varies from person to person. Usually, local anesthesia is performed before the operation so that there is no pain during the tooth extraction process. However, as the anesthesia effect gradually wears off, postoperative pain may occur. The following are possible postoperative pain conditions:
Mild postoperative discomfort
For most people, the pain after wisdom tooth removal is mild and usually lasts for a few days. The pain can often be relieved by taking regular painkillers by mouth. At this time, the nature of the pain is similar to the tenderness of the gums or tooth sockets, and is usually not as sharp as a stabbing pain.
Moderate pain
For some complex tooth extractions, especially when the wisdom tooth is deeply embedded in the gums, the pain may be slightly more intense. In these cases, you may feel severe pain for 24 hours after surgery, especially when eating, talking, or touching the affected area. At this time, your dentist will usually recommend the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain.
Severe pain and complications
In rare cases, complications may occur after wisdom tooth extraction, such as dry socket (i.e. the wound after tooth extraction does not heal or becomes infected) or local bleeding. At this time, the pain may last for a long time and be more intense. Dry socket usually occurs within 3 to 5 days after surgery, manifested as severe pain at the wound, and may be accompanied by bad breath and a foreign body sensation in the mouth. If this happens, the patient needs to seek medical attention immediately.
Factors that affect pain
Position of wisdom teeth
Whether the wisdom tooth is fully erupted and the particularity of its growth position will directly affect the difficulty of the extraction surgery and the pain after the surgery. If the wisdom tooth is completely buried in the bone, more operations will be involved during extraction and the pain will be more obvious. In comparison, the surgery for wisdom teeth that have already grown out and are in the right position is relatively simple and the pain is less.
The root shape of the tooth
If the root of the wisdom tooth is long or curved, more force and skill are required to remove it, which will increase the pain after the operation. Wisdom teeth with straight roots or short roots usually cause less discomfort after removal.
Personal pain tolerance
Everyone's pain tolerance is different. Some people feel almost no pain after surgery, while others may feel more severe pain. Stress and tension may also aggravate postoperative discomfort.
Postoperative care
Post-tooth extraction care has an important impact on pain recovery. Maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding strenuous exercise, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics on time can effectively reduce postoperative discomfort. If care is not done properly, infection may occur, leading to increased pain.
How to relieve pain after wisdom tooth removal
Use of pain medication
After surgery, patients are usually prescribed common pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which help relieve postoperative pain and inflammation. Taking pain relievers on time as directed by your doctor can not only relieve pain but also help the recovery process.
Cold compress
Within 24 hours after surgery, you can use ice packs to cool your face to help reduce swelling and pain. Apply ice for 20 minutes each time and rest for 20 minutes. Avoid placing ice packs directly on the skin to prevent frostbite.
Avoid chewing or eating hard objects in your mouth
After the operation, try to avoid chewing food with the side where the tooth was extracted. It is best to choose soft food and eat gently to avoid further irritation to the wound.
Keep your mouth clean
The wound after tooth extraction needs to be kept clean to prevent food debris from entering the wound and causing infection. You can use salt water to gargle under the doctor's advice, but avoid using too much force when gargling to avoid affecting wound healing.
Follow doctor's advice and have regular follow-up visits
Follow the doctor's follow-up schedule after surgery to ensure that the wound is not infected or has other problems. If abnormal pain or symptoms of infection occur, contact the doctor promptly.
hint:
The pain after wisdom tooth extraction can be largely relieved through proper postoperative care and medication management. Although the extraction process may cause discomfort, with proper treatment and rest, most patients can return to normal within a few days. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and follow the doctor's orders for postoperative care. If abnormal symptoms such as persistent severe pain, swelling or bleeding occur, seek medical attention in time.