One of the nightmares for most people is the excruciating pain after removing the wisdom tooth. Typically, it lasts three to five days before fading out. However, the biggest problem for the affected individuals is how to survive the worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction.
There are many ways that one can use to lessen the effects of tooth pain. These include taking proper medication and avoiding hard or spicy food. Straws must also be avoided if you are in the wisdom teeth recovery timeline. Additionally, an ice compress can also be effective sometimes.
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This article will dig deeper into the problem and see how one can sail through the worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction. We will also mention the strategies that usually prove beneficial in managing the pain after removing your wisdom tooth. So let’s get into it.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the teeth that often come out in the late teenage years. They typically pop up at the back of the mouth to facilitate chewing and grinding when the other teeth weaken. Wisdom teeth can be considered a leftover from evolution, as our ancestors used to have elongated jaws for hard meat and raw food.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Recovery Take?
Usually, the pain persists for one to two weeks, depending on the patient’s history and the nature of the tooth extraction. The next day after the tooth extraction is usually bearable, as the anesthetic effects might still exist. However, the second and third days are usually haunting for the patients. By day 3 of wisdom teeth removal, you’ll have already gone through the worst period.
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Gradually, the pain starts subsiding after the third day. Although the healing process is still carried on by the end of the week, it starts feeling normal. You can also have slightly harder food. It takes almost three weeks to recover from the symptoms entirely.
Wisdom Teeth Recovery Timeline
Understanding the timeline of your wisdom teeth recovery is crucial to prepare mentally for it. We have generally discussed this already, but in this section, we will dissect the timeline into days for a comprehensive understanding.
Day 1
Day one is usually typical, with mild pain and swelling. As it is the first day of the extraction, the patient is still under the influence of anesthesia. This anesthetic effect makes the pain bearable or mild for the patient. Bleeding is also slowed down within a few hours.
You are advised to consume soft and watery food for the first day. You must also avoid straw as the suction can cause bleeding from the wound. Keep in mind that you may feel numbness for a time period that fades up gradually.
Day 2 & 3
Pain and swelling are at their peak on the second and third days. The numbness completely fades out, leaving you with an excruciating and discomforting sensation. You must continue to use your medications for days two and three.
Soft food is advised for these days, as well as some other precautionary measures. Do not spit with force, as it may cause bleeding from the wound. Using salt water to clean your mouth is always a great idea to prevent infection.
Day 4
Day 4 of wisdom teeth removal is also harder, like the preceding two days. However, it is comparatively easier because now the pain starts getting dispersed. However, other symptoms are there, including the swelling and soreness.
Day 5 to 7
From day 5 onwards, you start feeling better. The pain and swelling subside despite some occasional soreness. You begin to move your jaw easily as the stiffness disappears. However, continuing medicine and following your dentist’s directions is essential.
In this period, you can move to semi-soft food. It is advised not to take precautionary measures, which may slow the progress. As a whole, this period is a transition from bad days to the recovery phase.
The Second Week
By the end of the second week, most patients report satisfaction as swelling and other symptoms go down completely or nearly completely. You can also eat slightly harder food without problem or discomfort.
Strategies to Overcome Pain
Specific strategies can be used on your worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction and even later. These methods help you relieve the pain and lessen post-surgery effects. These are mentioned below:
Proper Medications
It is essential to take proper medications to get better. Dentists usually prescribe medicines like painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets to boost the healing process. Follow the advice of your physician.
Appropriate Food
Taking appropriate food is necessary after the surgery, as inappropriate and hard food may worsen your situation. Foods like yogurt, soup, mashed vegetables, and applesauce are ideal. Spicy and hot food should be avoided as it may irritate your wound.
Rinsing
It is also a good idea to rinse using salt water as it prevents infections and complications. However, this activity should be started after the first day to control bleeding and tear up the blood clot. Salt has anti-inflammatory properties that help the healing process speed up.
Ice Compress
An ice compress is another valuable thing to do, especially in the initial period after the surgery. It helps you feel comfortable and lessens the swelling and discomfort. However, it must not exceed half an hour in a single session, as it may damage your cheeks.
What Not to Do After Tooth Extraction
Apart from the techniques mentioned above, you must also be careful about some DON’Ts as they can worsen your situation.
- Do not use a straw, as the suction can cause bleeding.
- Do not move your jaws and mouth muscles excessively.
- Do not skip your calorie intake because of the surgery; you need to stay energetic.
- Do not ignore any unusual or prolonged pain or related symptoms.
Conclusion
Severe pain after tooth extraction is common, especially on the second and third day, and there is nothing to worry about. With the proper care and technique, you can overcome the pain easily. In the article, we talked about everything you need to know about the worst day of pain after wisdom tooth extraction.
We have outlined the best practices to survive the pain, including medications, ice compresses, avoiding straws, and appropriate food. Making an informed decision and managing your strategies can help you heal faster. Good luck with your tooth extraction!
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