Wisdom Tooth Extraction Pain: What Does it Mean?

Removing the wisdom teeth is a common surgical procedure that is performed thousands of times each year. If you about to undergo wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to remember that pain is a common part of this procedure and can be managed effectively. In some cases, however, wisdom tooth extraction pain can indicate a far greater complication so understanding the pain is necessary for your healing process.

While wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively safe procedure, there is going to be associated pain after surgery simply because of the removal of the teeth from their respective areas. In some cases, however, pain after a wisdom tooth extraction can be more complicated due to the onset of infection, dry socket, or even nerve damage along the area where the teeth were removed.

When pain associated with an infection is the cause of your wisdom tooth extraction pain, it is imperative that you see the oral surgeon immediately as antibiotic therapy, orally and topically, may be necessary. In addition, dry socket treatment is also a procedure that must be done in the office. Both of these complications are typically temporary and easily managed.

Nerve damage, in response to a complication with wisdom tooth extraction, is typically overlooked in the days after surgery takes place. For some patients, this type of pain does not develop for several weeks and often leads to numbness and pain in the jaw, cheek, and pain that radiates into the ear. If you are suffering from this type of pain after having a wisdom tooth extraction, immediate medical attention should be sought with the oral surgeon or with a neurologist.

Pain, of any type, can be debilitating and even frustrating - especially when that pain is associated with a recent surgery. If you are suffering from wisdom tooth extraction pain, be sure to consult with your oral surgeon to address any pain issues but also assess the type of pain against these common, and uncommon, oral pain issues.

Sources: Tooth Aches and Tooth Care, by William Krygar