Is It Normal to Have Bad Pain After Tooth Extraction?
Generally, after a tooth is removed, discomfort usually does not last long. Mild discomfort is common after a tooth extraction and is part of the normal healing process. If the soreness lasts more than a few days or does not improve, it may indicate a more serious problem. Here’s what could be causing pain after a tooth extraction and how you can manage it.
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Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Many people assume that getting a tooth extracted is probably more painful than what may happen afterward. But the truth is that the process itself is usually comfortable, thanks to modern numbing techniques.
Your dentist will first inject a local anesthetic that will numb the tooth within just a few minutes. Your gums and tissues are also numb, so there’s little to no pain when the tooth is being removed. You may only feel a little pressure, but that is very brief.
Because the anesthetic effect lasts a few hours, you may not experience discomfort during this time.
What Level of Pain is Normal After a Tooth Extraction?
When the anesthesia fades off, it is normal to feel some pain in the socket. For most patients, it may be no more than a dull ache. Patients who undergo more complex procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, may experience throbbing discomfort for a day or two.
But in both cases, it is easy to control the pain with over-the-counter medicines, as long as the socket is healing normally. The issue is when the pain worsens over the next few days instead of resolving, and you start noticing other changes in your mouth.
Why You May Have Severe Pain After Tooth Extraction?
One of the major reasons why you may have pain even a few days after tooth extraction is “dry socket”. It happens when the blood clot at the site where the tooth was extracted does not form, dislodges, or dissolves before the socket has healed.
As a result, your underlying bone and nerves are exposed, which is why the area feels so sensitive. It may fill with bits of food when you eat, making the pain even worse.
When to Visit a Dentist?
If the pain you experience after tooth removal seems to get worse, or you experience other signs like:
- The socket looks empty (no blood clot)
- Visible bone in the socket
- Throbbing pain that may spread to your ear, jaw, or temple
- Bad breath from your mouth
Foul taste…then you should visit a dentist as soon as you can. These could be possible signs of a dry socket, so it’s better to get them addressed before the issue gets more serious.
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Final Words
Some pain after tooth extraction is normal. It typically improves within a few days, and you can manage it with OTC medicines and by following your dentist’s instructions.
But if it gets worse over a few days, don’t wait. Visit our ACE Dental of Bellmead experts or call us today to learn how we can help.
Medically Reviewed
Aditi Gupta, D.D.S.
Dr. Aditi Gupta is a renowned family dentist, specializing in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry at ACE Dental with 9 locations across central Texas. She has been an esteemed practitioner for over 12 years and earned her board certification from the American Board of General Dentistry as well as memberships in both the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association.
Location:
ACE Dental of Bellmead
901 North I-35 Frontage Road
Bellmead, TX 76705
Phone: (254) 978-5940