Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Hurt?

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery and it is often done as a preventative measure. 

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, or back teeth, that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. While wisdom teeth don't always cause problems, they can be impacted, or trapped beneath the gums. 

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to your gums, jaw and other teeth. The good news is that wisdom teeth removal is a fairly straightforward procedure that can provide relief from these problems. 

Many patients ask if wisdom teeth removal hurts, and there is no easy answer to this question since everyone experiences pain differently. However, in general, wisdom teeth removal is not a particularly painful procedure. Most people report feeling only minor discomfort after the procedure.

There are a few things you can do to help manage any pain you may experience. 

During The Procedure 

Dental technology has advanced greatly in the past century and as a result, wisdom teeth removal surgery is not painful for patients. All patients will be given the appropriate amount of general or local anesthetic and will be sufficiently numb before the dentist begins. 

Before surgery, be sure you have a trusted family member or friend ready to drive you to and from your appointment. You will be medicated for the surgery and this will impede your ability to drive. 

Your dentist will test before surgery to ensure the anesthetic is working and you cannot feel pain. If you are awake for the procedure, you may feel pressure as your dentist is performing surgery, however, if you feel any discomfort, simply let your dentist know and they will be able to assist you. 

The procedure is quick and relatively painless, thanks to modern anesthesia techniques. Wisdom teeth removal is most often a day surgery and you will be able to leave the clinic right after. 

After the Procedure 

You may experience some discomfort and swelling after wisdom teeth removal, but this can be easily managed with a combination of medication, ice, proper diet and sleep during recovery. Be sure to follow your dentist's post-operative instructions carefully in order to ensure a speedy recovery.

Pain will only last for 7-10 days and will likely be the most acute on the days right after your procedure. 

Take Pain Medication 

While the surgery isn’t painful, you’ll probably feel some discomfort as your mouth heals. For most people, an OTC like Tylenol or ibuprofen medication is enough to handle any post-surgery pain.

However, your dentist may prescribe you medication for pain such as naproxen. If this is the case, be sure to take any pain medication prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon as directed. This will help to minimize any discomfort you feel. 

Apply Ice to Reduce Swelling 

The majority of the pain you will feel as you recover will be from the result of swelling and inflammation around the surgery site. 

Applying ice to your face for 20 minute intervals can also help reduce swelling and pain. Be careful though, ice will reduce swelling, but applying heat, or eating  hot foods can have the opposite effect, and increase your pain. 

Stick to A Liquid Diet After Surgery 

Finally, be sure to eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where your wisdom teeth were removed. 

Your dentist will ask that you follow a liquid diet for the first few days after surgery. This is important and prevents food from getting into the surgical site, as well and keeps you from chewing on the area that is highly sensitive after surgery. 

By following these simple tips, you can help make your wisdom teeth removal experience as comfortable as possible.

How Long Does the Pain Last After Wisdom Teeth Removal? 

The recovery process following wisdom teeth removal is usually fairly short, with most people feeling back to normal within a week or two. 

However, it's important to follow your dentist's instructions for home care and pain management to ensure a quick and comfortable recovery.

Patients who have stitches will most likely see that they dissolve in a week or two. However, if you  need to have your stitches removed, be sure to book with your dentist beforehand. 

What if the Pain Gets Worse After Wisdom Teeth Removal? 

Your pain and the swelling should slowly improve after your extraction. If things continue to hurt  after the normal recovery time, or you notice increased pain and swelling, contact your dentist immediately. 

It is rare, but there can be painful complications when it comes to wisdom teeth removal. 

These include: 

Dry Socket 

Dry socket is a painful condition that can happen after wisdom tooth extraction. It is uncommon, however, when it happens, it can be quite painful.

Dry socket happens when part of your bone in the jaw becomes exposed. In most cases, after surgery, a blood clot will form at the surgery site. This clot helps to protect the surgery site from foreign objects and promotes healing. 

Dry socket happens when the blood clot is dislodged and is lost, exposing the bone and surgery site, before the surgery site is healed. 

Bacterial Infection 

A bacterial infection can develop after your wisdom teeth extraction. This is uncommon, however it can be quite painful. 

This is most often caused by food particles getting stuck, or improper cleaning after surgery. Find out how to clean your teeth properly after wisdom teeth surgery. 

If you think you may have a bacterial infection after your extraction, contact your dentist. They will prescribe an antibiotic or alternative treatment in order to get you out of pain fast. 

Nerve Damage 

Nerve damage can occur after wisdom teeth removal and can affect neighboring teeth, or your jaw. Symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling, excessive pain etc. 

Nerve damage can be treated in many cases, however, it is important to get it diagnosed quickly. Visit your dentist right away if you think you may have nerve damage. 

What Happens If I Don’t Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

If your wisdom teeth have grown in correctly and you are able to properly clean them and take care of them, then you may not need wisdom teeth extraction. 

However, sometimes not getting the extraction due to concerns that wisdom teeth removal hurts, will cause more pain for you in the long run. 

Impacted and infected wisdom teeth can be extremely painful. If this happens, patients require emergency wisdom teeth extractions. The entire experience can be much harder on your body, your immune system and your stress levels, whereas those who have their wisdom teeth removed will not have to worry about that. 

Wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure, and it’s best to meet with your dentist and determine whether or not it’s the best solution for you. 

Visit Glen Dental Centre for Wisdom Teeth Removal 

It’s normal to feel some anxiety about getting surgery, but don’t worry – wisdom teeth removal isn’t nearly as bad as you might think. The actual procedure is not painful, and any discomfort afterwards can be easily managed with over-the-counter medication. 

If you’re ready to get your wisdom teeth removed, contact Glen Dental Centre today to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure the whole process is as smooth and painless as possible.  If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your dental team for guidance.