How long will my mouth hurt after oral surgery?

Some swelling is normal after oral surgery. For most people, it increases for 2 or 3 days and then starts to go down after that. If your swelling and pain increase after 3 days, call the clinic for an appointment. You will have the most discomfort when feel- ing starts to return to your mouth.


How long will the pain last after oral surgery?

What is considered “normal” pain is likely to last for about three days post-extraction. If you are more of the sensitive type, expect a lingering tenderness on the extraction site for longer. However, other reasons could cause pain after tooth extraction.

Should I still have pain 5 days after tooth extraction?

Having pain after your surgery is expected and common. Pain may last up to two weeks after surgery. It is highly recommended to take two Advil or Motrin immediately when you get home. Keep the narcotic pain medications for bedtime.


How long does it take to feel better after oral surgery?

Typically, your oral surgeon will ask that you at least take about 48-72 hours to relax afterward so the treatment area is allowed to clot. After that, a patient should be able to return to normal physical activity. The soft tissue will usually fully heal in about 3-4 weeks.

How do you get rid of pain after oral surgery?

NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, are especially useful because of their inflammation-reducing benefits. These drugs help to control pain and inflammation in the mouth after your procedure. Acetaminophen can significantly decrease your perception of pain.


Oral Surgery - Postoperative Pain Management



What helps mouth surgery heal faster?

8 Tips for a Speedy Recovery from Oral Surgery
  1. Protect the Surgical Area.
  2. Rest.
  3. Stick to a Soft Diet.
  4. Stay Hydrated.
  5. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco.
  6. Use a Cold Compress.
  7. Take Pain Medication.
  8. Practice Good Oral Hygiene.


Is throbbing normal after oral surgery?

What level of pain is 'normal'? After tooth extraction surgery, it's common to feel throbbing in the extraction area (known as the 'socket') as well as sensitivity. This is perfectly normal, and your dentist will likely prescribe some pain relief to help you minimise discomfort.

Do and don'ts after oral surgery?

What You Should Do When Recovering From Oral Surgery
  • Follow Your Post Oral Surgery Instructions. Follow all of your oral surgeon's instructions. ...
  • Apply Ice to Your Face. Ice your face throughout the day to reduce swelling. ...
  • Eat Soft Foods. ...
  • Don't Do Your Own Thing. ...
  • Don't Choose Hot Foods or Drinks. ...
  • Don't Brush or Floss.


Why does oral surgery hurt so much?

The “rougher” the surgeon, the more tissue damage at the surgical site created by that surgeon. Tissue damage leads to inflammation (swelling). Inflammation and pain share many of the same chemical pathways in the body. Thus, the more inflammation, the more pain following the surgery.

How long does throbbing pain last after tooth extraction?

Most people feel mostly pain-free by the third or fourth day. Some swelling and soreness can continue throughout the first week. Throbbing pain during the first 24 hours after your extraction is likely just a sign that your body is healing.

How can you tell the difference between dry socket and normal pain?

Dry sockets become increasingly painful in the days after a tooth extraction. They may also have exposed bone or tissue, or an unpleasant smell. By comparison, normal healing sockets get less painful over time and do not cause any other symptoms. A dry socket can be very painful, but it is not usually serious.


What are the most painful days after tooth extraction?

The first two days after your extraction require the most care, as this is when your mouth is doing a majority of its healing. It's perfectly normal to experience a low level amount of bleeding and some soreness at the extraction site.

Is it normal to have pain 7 days after a tooth extraction?

While it's normal to feel some discomfort after your anesthesia wears off, this should subside significantly a few days after your extraction. You can expect a full recovery within two weeks or less.

Is it normal for teeth to hurt after oral surgery?

Teeth near the surgical site may ache for some time afterwards. This is temporary, and is known as “sympathetic pain”. Similarly, adjacent teeth may feel slightly loose after surgery; this is a result of normal swelling around the teeth.


How do you know if your oral surgery is infected?

Symptoms of an Infection After Oral Surgery
  • Bleeding that is present for 24 hours or more.
  • Throbbing pain that is not relieved with pain medication.
  • Increased swelling of the face, jaw, or gums.
  • Oozing discharge, especially pus.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth.


What should I avoid after oral surgery?

It is important to avoid the following foods for the first week following surgery as they can cause pain and delayed healing:
  • Spicy foods.
  • Citrus juices.
  • Foods that are difficult to chew (steak and deli meats)
  • Crunchy foods (popcorn, pretzels and potato chips)
  • Crusty breads, bagels, cookies.
  • Alcoholic beverages.


What is the best pain relief after oral surgery?

An excellent over-the-counter option is to alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) every 3–4 hours, which is ideal for managing most types of pain after oral surgery.


How long should you ice after oral surgery?

Swelling can be minimized by using cold packs or a bag of frozen peas applied firmly to the cheek nearest to the surgical area. Ice should be applied twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off during the first 24 hours after surgery. You may continue to use ice for up to 48 hours after surgery to help reduce pain.

Is heat or ice better after oral surgery?

The swelling can continue for 2 or 3 days after the oral surgery. After 24 hours of cold compresses, it is time to turn to hot compresses for help. It is best to use moist heat.

What foods promote healing after oral surgery?

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery
  • Scrambled eggs.
  • Soup containing vegetables of cream of soup.
  • Smoothies and milkshakes.
  • Frozen yogurt.
  • Boiled or cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, spinach, and squash.
  • RIpe fruits like peaches and nectarines cut into small pieces.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Macaroni and cheese.


What's the best thing to drink after oral surgery?

Drink water

Sip on a little more water than your normal daily amount to flush food particles away from the affected area. Drinking fluids following oral surgery will also speed up the healing process and help to prevent conditions like dry socket. However, when drinking liquids, do so by sipping on a cup or bottle.

Can I take a hot shower after oral surgery?

While your oral surgeon will instruct you on how to maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery, there are no restrictions on general hygiene. You can shower and bathe as you normally would.

How long does it take for oral stitches to dissolve?

Most sutures will dissolve or fall out on their own after 2-7 days. Depending on the procedure and the number of stitches required will determine how long they will take to dissolve. Different types of sutures may take up to two weeks or more to dissolve.


Does throbbing mean dry socket?

The explicit throbbing pain in your jaw represents another telltale signal of dry sockets. The pain may reach your ear, eye, temple or neck from the extraction site. The soft dental extraction site usually feels on the same side.

What does nerve damage feel like after oral surgery?

Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lingual nerves (LN) during dental and oral surgery procedures is an uncommon complication, but understanding the management of the injury is important. Damage to either nerve can lead to numbness and pain of the lip, mucosa and tongue, as well as loss of taste.