Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Hurt?
If you decided to get your wisdom teeth pulled, one of the questions you may have is whether wisdom tooth removal is painful or not. Most people have a common belief that wisdom teeth are painful and their removal causes even worse pain. For this reason, people with problematic wisdom teeth can become anxious or scared when they are told they need their wisdom teeth out. But, does wisdom teeth removal procedure and recovery really hurt? Read on to find out – Is having wisdom teeth removed painful and does wisdom teeth removal recovery hurt?
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
A wisdom teeth extraction by skilled dental professionals is usually a quick and pain-free procedure. Before proceeding with your wisdom tooth removal, the dentist ensures that your wisdom tooth and the area surrounding it are completely numb and you cannot feel any pain or discomfort. The kind of anesthesia chosen to be administered for you prior to extraction depends upon your case. Usually, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia where you will stay awake throughout the procedure. You will not feel pain at any point of the removal but the only thing that you may feel is slight pressure applied to the operation site when the tooth is gently rocked in backward and forward motion. Even if you undergo surgical extraction wherein the gum is lifted, impacted wisdom teeth are cut in sections before removing, and then the gum is stitched back into position, you won’t feel any pain. You will be aware of the movement and actions taking place inside your mouth. Another type of anesthesia that may be provided to you by an anesthesiologist includes intravenous sedation, a combination of nitrous and local anesthesia, or general anesthesia.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Following a wisdom teeth extraction, you can go home after receiving aftercare instructions on a leaflet. You will be advised on pain relief and provided with the contact number of your dentist, in case you need it for an emergency.
After the wisdom teeth removal, you must carefully follow all postoperative instructions. In the first 48 hours post-wisdom teeth extraction, you must take proper rest to allow a blood clot to form at the extraction site to prevent infection. During that time try to be on a liquid or soft diet which does not irritate or harm the wounded site. Avoid using straws that may dislodge the blood clot or not allow it to form. After 3 days when your operated site is no longer tender, you will feel much better and be able to chew food properly again. With some rest and recuperation, your mouth condition should be back to normal within a week. You may be fully healed 4-6 weeks after the procedure.
How Bad Is the Pain During Recovery?
Most patients are worried about the pain or discomfort after wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth can easily enter the jaw and be surrounded by gums, therefore they must be surgically removed. When surgical wisdom tooth extraction takes place, some gum and jawbone are likely to be displaced. The extraction surface is less likely to be smooth. You may feel pain or discomfort that was not felt during the wisdom teeth removal procedure. The extent of pain or discomfort depends upon whether it was a simple or complex wisdom teeth extraction.
In the first 24 hours, you may experience nociceptive pain, a mild and acute form of discomfort caused by damage to tissues and bone. It is superficial pain and as it heals its intensity decreases. Typically, the pain peaks six hours after the procedure and may subside within a few days. With surgical extraction, there may be some bleeding. Expect to have some soreness around the extraction site, mild bruising, and slight swelling in the jaw and cheeks which can be managed by pain relievers or a combination of antibiotics and ice packs. Such discomfort usually resolves within a few days or a week or two. Sometimes, you may be prescribed strong pain medications, especially if you have gone through intensive or complex procedures to combat the possibility of having greater discomfort.
If you want to learn more about wisdom tooth removal / does wisdom teeth removal recovery hurt and if you are looking for painless wisdom teeth removal treatment. Consult with our team of oral surgeons in Chicago at The Dental Specialists (TDS).