Is It Painful to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Although many people fear experiencing significant pain after the procedure, wisdom tooth removal is a common dental service. It is not typically more painful than extracting other teeth. Wisdom teeth often erupt after all other permanent teeth have fully come in, making them more likely to become impacted in the jawbone. As the dentists performing wisdom teeth removal in North York explain, impacted wisdom teeth can put significant pressure on surrounding teeth and may require extraction to preserve the health of adjacent teeth. If you are concerned about pain during extraction, rest assured that your dedicated dentist can perform the procedure with minimal discomfort. Learn how wisdom tooth extraction can be performed painlessly in the dentist’s office.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental solution involving removing one or more molars at the back of the mouth. While the eruption of wisdom teeth may cause pain and discomfort, it is not always symptomatic. However, if experienced dentists identify potential dental issues, they may recommend tooth removal to prevent complications. Impacted wisdom teeth are a significant dental concern that can cause severe problems. This occurs when there is insufficient space for the wisdom teeth to grow, causing them to become horizontal and leading to tooth decay and cavities in surrounding teeth and structures.

Additionally, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and infection. If your dentist recommends wisdom tooth removal, there is no need to worry about discomfort, as a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area before the extraction process begins. The length of the removal process may vary depending on numerous factors, but for simple cases, it typically only takes a few minutes.

Feeling Pain & Discomfort During Wisdom Teeth Extraction

It is normal to experience some discomfort after oral surgery, including wisdom tooth extraction. Once the anesthetic wears off, you may feel pain and irritation, but the amount of pain you experience will depend on the complexity of the procedure. Since the tissues and bones around the wisdom teeth are slightly damaged during removal, mild pain can be expected for up to 24 hours after the procedure. However, there is no need to worry as the pain typically subsides over time. Your dentist may prescribe pain relievers such as ibuprofen to help manage the pain. Taking these medications two or three times a day is recommended, but taking them more frequently can lead to complications. If the pain becomes unbearable, contact your dentist, who may prescribe stronger medication to alleviate your discomfort.

Healing Time after the Surgery

Typically, people recover from wisdom tooth extraction within three to four days, but recovery may take a week or longer for more severe cases where teeth are impacted. It is important to note that the surgical wound may take several months to heal completely.

The day after surgery, you can resume your regular activities but should avoid anything that may dislodge the stitches, such as smoking, spitting, or strenuous exercise. Minor swelling and bleeding are normal, but you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe pain or excessive bleeding. Symptoms such as fever, swelling that worsens after a few days, difficulty swallowing or breathing, numbness, or continuous bleeding may indicate an infection or nerve damage and require prompt medical attention.