Recent Wisdom Tooth Extraction? Here’s How to Deal with Pain and Swelling

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental surgery among teenagers and young adults under the age of 25, meaning most patients recover from wisdom tooth extraction very quickly. In most cases, the only post-surgery issues to address are pain and swelling, which will end within a week. Enduring that week, however, can be unpleasant. Here are a few strategies you can use to put up with the swelling and pain that comes with a wisdom tooth extraction.

It’s normal to experience localized pain for the first two days following your extraction. It’s not uncommon, though, for soreness to persist for up to a week. The anesthetic that you received during your procedure should last until about four hours after your surgery. Your oral surgeon will usually prescribe a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain management. These two painkillers are relatively mild on their own, but when combined they work together to produce a more powerful effect. Always follow your oral surgeon’s instructions when taking painkillers.

After having your wisdom teeth extracted, you can expect to experience some swelling in your cheeks, both inside and out. This swelling is at its worst for the initial two to three days following your surgery, and your cheeks will gradually return to normal after those two days. You may also see some mild bruising. You can reduce the swelling by applying ice packs to your face starting a few hours after your surgery.

Your surgeon will instruct you to avoid brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, using mouthwash, or spitting for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Once those 24 hours have elapsed, you should do a gentle saltwater mouth rinse once every two hours for one week. Saltwater calms inflammation by pulling moisture out of your mouth and can prevent infection by changing your mouth’s pH level. Dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in an eight-ounce glass of water and rinse. Always be careful when doing a saltwater rinse – spitting the water out with too much force could dislodge a stitch.

Wisdom tooth extractions can result in some minor pain and swelling for several days. During this time, there are steps you can take to alleviate the pain and calm the swelling. A saltwater rinse is a great way to prevent infection, while ice can control swelling. Mild painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are great for managing the soreness that often results from wisdom tooth extraction. By taking care of your mouth during your recovery period, you’ll avoid complications and keep the extraction site clean as it heals – which will make your procedure a success.

Recent Wisdom Tooth Extraction? Here’s How to Deal with Pain and Swelling