man with jaw pain

Is It Normal To Feel Jaw Pain After Tooth Extraction?

Jaw pain after a tooth extraction is normal and typically fades after one to two days. It may also be accompanied by minimal bleeding and soreness. You might have some trouble opening your mouth as well. However, if the jaw joint pain and the bleeding in the extraction site persist after two days, it’s time to call your dentist. Severe pain could mean that the treated area is infected and that needs immediate dental attention.

 

Reasons For Tooth Extraction

Adult teeth are supposed to last for a lifetime, but due to circumstances, there would be a time where you might need a tooth extraction surgery. Dentists would often try all alternative solutions to save an infected tooth, but if the damage is severe and irreversible, removing the tooth will only be the viable option.

Here are the common reasons why a tooth extraction might be needed:

  1. Trauma and damage. Whether the cause is poor oral health or accident, if the tooth is too damaged to be saved, removal will follow.
  2. Wisdom tooth. In most cases, wisdom teeth are often extracted due to overcrowding. If they will cause misalignment and significantly affect the proper positioning of the nearby teeth, your dentist might recommend extraction. Some people are lucky enough to keep their wisdom teeth as they do not present any threat at all.
  3. In preparation for orthodontia. Orthodontia is the procedure done to correct the alignment of the teeth. If a tooth is too big or if your mouth is overcrowded, the dentist might suggest tooth extraction to prepare your mouth for the treatment.
  4. Infection. A neglected tooth infection can eventually lead to decay. When this happens, your dentist will initially perform a root canal treatment, but if the decay is extreme and causes severe pain, then tooth extraction will be needed.tooth extraction surgery
  5. To avoid risks. The bacteria in your mouth can pose many threats not only to your oral health but to your overall health as well. These bacteria can get through the blood vessel that might compromise your immune system.

Before the operation, you will undergo a series of tests and examinations. You will also be asked to take X-ray exams to check the actual position of your teeth and the extraction site.

 

Jaw Pain After Tooth Extraction

Generally speaking, it is normal to feel jaw pain after a tooth extraction surgery. This normally lasts for 1 or 2 days and subsides on its own. Apart from jaw pain, you might also experience unpleasant sensations such as swelling and bleeding, it may even be hard for you to just open your mouth. But do not panic as these are very common effects of tooth surgery. If in case the pain in your jaw remains severe and unbearable, do not hesitate to contact your dentist’s office.

In rare cases, jaw pain may also be accompanied by other complications. You might be experiencing pain due to damages to your jawbone, nerves, or teeth. A dry socket can also be a reason for your jaw pain. This only happens when the blood clot that’s supposed to help in the healing process is missing. Due to this, bacteria get into the extraction site and start infecting it causing you to feel pain.

 

Managing Jaw Pain

After the surgery, your dentist will give you a list of things to follow for you to properly care for your teeth. It’s important to follow these guidelines to guarantee the speedy recovery of the extraction site and to avoid complications. You will also be informed on how to clean the wound and how to replace the gauze.

The list often includes the following instructions:

  • take your prescribed medication for pain relief
  • rinse your mouth with a specific solution, saltwater will do as well
  • apply a cold compress to the treated area
  • replace the gauze correctly in the specified time
  • avoid hard to chew foods
  • always drink water to stay hydrated
  • do not smoke or drink alcohol for the next 2 days

Click on this link here for more information on how to manage tooth pain.

 

Other Complications after Tooth Extraction

smiling dental patientApart from jaw pain, tooth extraction can also cause other complications if not properly cared for. Here are some of the things that might take place after getting your tooth extracted:

  1. Nerve injury. This is a very rare circumstance but it can still potentially happen to you. Nerve injury occurs when a dental nerve is placed in an unusual location and gets damaged while the surgery is ongoing. It causes a tingling sensation usually in the gums and the surrounding area of the extraction site.
  2. Infection. It is possible for the treated site to be infected if bacteria gets in the wound. The common sign of infection could include flu-like symptoms like fever, pain, and fatigue. Your dentist will most likely prescribe you an antibiotic to fight off bacterial infection.
  3. Dry socket. As this dentist in Epping explains a dry socket occurs when the blood clot that is responsible for making the healing process easier is missing in action. Because of this, there will be an opening or a tiny hole in the treated area where bacteria could attach themselves into. Food particles and debris might also get stuck in the hole giving an irritating pain.
  4. Swelling and bleeding. Although these two are common occurrences after a tooth extraction, they might last for too long. This a very serious complication that might be caused by a bacterial infection. Consult your dentist right away to prevent further damages.

 

Home Remedies For Jaw Pain

You can also alleviate the pain in your jaw with simple tricks that you can do at home. Dentists suggest these pain relief solutions as well to help in managing discomfort during the recovery period.

  • Using ice or heat packs. Place it on top of the jaw until you feel relieved.
  • Supplements. You can also take supplements that can help in relaxing your jaw muscles.
  • Gentle massage and jaw exercise. Just be sure not to be too harsh on the newly treated area. Jaw exercise will help in strengthening the muscles in the jaw.

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