Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Hurt?

Most people will need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction at some point during their lifetime. If you hate having dental work done or do not like the idea of going through surgery, you may be wondering whether or not there is pain involved. Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt? Here are some things to keep in mind when having your wisdom teeth removed.

Opt for a General Anesthetic for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The oral surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. You will have the option to use a general anesthetic, which will prevent the whole body from feeling pain while your wisdom teeth are being removed. This will cause you to fall asleep so that you cannot feel your teeth being extracted. Anyone who is having their wisdom teeth removed will want to think about using a general anesthetic for the procedure.

Pain Following the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

While you are unlikely to feel much of anything when your wisdom teeth are removed if you opt for a general anesthetic, you will probably feel some pain following the procedure. Most people experience pain and swelling for a few days after the surgery has been done. During the first 24 hours, you will want to use an ice pack, take the painkillers that the oral surgeon prescribes, and be sure to remain propped up. Here are some more tips on how to cope during wisdom tooth extraction:

1. Eat soft foods that do not require chewing. Even foods which seem "safe," such as ice cream and soup, may be painful at first. Jell-O and pudding are both safe options.

2. Rinse your mouth with warm water and salt to reduce the risk of infection and speed the heeling process.

3. Schedule your wisdom tooth extraction at a time when you can take a few days off work. Most people will want to relax during the first two to three days.

Severe Pain Following Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery

If you experience severe pain following wisdom tooth removal surgery, it is likely due to dry sockets. According to WebMD.com, this problem occurs if the protective blood clot is lost too soon after surgery. The bone and nerves become exposed, which causes most people to feel a significant amount of pain in their socket area. While this complication of wisdom tooth extraction does not always occur, I can say from personal experience that it can be very painful.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that any pain that you experience due to wisdom tooth extraction will be temporary. Most people will feel better within a few weeks' time. If you have been experiencing pain due to your wisdom teeth, the temporary pain is worth any pain or complications that may occur.

Source:

WebMD.com, "Wisdom tooth extraction."