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Is it Painful to Remove Wisdom Teeth? – What to Expect

Wisdom teeth often bring with them a reputation for discomfort and trouble. Many people endure the agony of wisdom tooth pain, only to fear the extraction process even more. 

All because of one question – is it painful to remove wisdom teeth?

It's a common misconception that removing wisdom teeth is an ordeal of unbearable pain. In reality, the extraction procedure is carefully managed with modern techniques and anesthesia, aiming to provide relief from the very pain it causes. 

Understanding “Is it painful to remove wisdom teeth?” can alleviate fears and ensure a smoother experience toward dental wellness.

Why Would You Need a Wisdom Teeth Removal

Why Would You Need a Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Dentists usually recommend a wisdom tooth extraction when:

  • You have a wisdom tooth that is impacted, meaning it is stuck beneath the gums or jawbone, resulting in pain, potential infection, or damage to nearby teeth.
  • Your jaw does not have enough space for wisdom teeth to erupt properly, leading to misalignment or crowding of existing teeth.
  • Your partially erupted wisdom teeth have created pockets that have become home to an infection. 
  • Your wisdom teeth are growing at an unusual angle, exerting pressure on adjacent teeth and potentially causing damage or altering your dental alignment.
  • You want to have them extracted preemptively to prevent potential issues like infections or misalignment.

What to Expect During a Wisdom Tooth Removal ?

Anesthesia

You will receive anesthesia to ensure you don't feel pain during the procedure. This could be local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to make you unconscious.

Incision

Your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue to access the tooth and bone.

Tooth Extraction

The tooth may need to be divided into sections to facilitate removal. It will then be extracted carefully from its socket in the bone.

Cleaning the Area

Any debris or leftover fragments will be cleaned out from the extraction site.

Stitching

In some cases, stitches may be necessary to close the wound. These stitches are usually dissolvable and will fall out on their own over time.

What Happens After Your Wisdom Tooth is Removed?

After your extraction, you will receive a pamphlet outlining post-surgery instructions. It's common to feel slight discomfort at the extraction site, so we will provide guidance on pain relief and an emergency contact number if needed. 

Patients may also require one to two days of rest to ensure a blood clot forms properly at the site, which helps prevent infection.

In terms of pain and sensations, you may expect the following after a wisdom tooth extraction. 

  • Some discomfort and soreness at the extraction site
  • Swelling around the extraction site and possibly in the cheeks 
  • Temporary numbness or tingling in your mouth, cheeks, or lips due to the anesthesia wearing off
  • Minor bleeding from the extraction site 
  • Some mild bruising of the cheeks or jaw may occur, especially if the extraction was complex or impacted

But is it Painful to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The pain associated with wisdom teeth usually originates from the infection of a wisdom tooth or the impact it has on the surrounding teeth or oral cavity. 

Wisdom teeth removal actually helps to deal with this pain, and you will experience immediate relief once it has been removed. The entire extraction procedure is done under general or local anesthesia. The only sensation you will feel during the procedure is gentle pressure as the tooth is dislodged from the socket. Apart from that, you should not feel any pain. 

After the procedure, you might feel some tenderness and swelling, which can be addressed with pain relievers and diligent post-operative care. While discomfort is common during recovery, advancements in dental techniques and anesthesia aim to make the extraction process as comfortable as possible.

Is Recovery Painful After a Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction typically lasts three to four days, though it may extend up to a week if the teeth were impacted. 

The pain usually lasts from 3 days to 1 week unless complications such as infection or dry socket occur, where the blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site. Swelling of the mouth and cheeks typically decreases within 2-3 days, with stiffness and soreness subsiding within 7-10 days.

When to Consult Your Dentist ?

While some swelling and bleeding are to be expected after the procedure, you should also know when to consult your dentist if the pain seems to become unbearable or is bothering you a lot. 

Here are some scenarios where your wisdom tooth removal pain may indicate more serious underlying causes. 

  • Dry Socket: Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms following the extraction is displaced or dissolves too soon, exposing the underlying nerves and bone to air and food particles.
  • Infection: Bacteria entering the extraction site can lead to infection, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain.
  • Bone or Tooth Fragments: Small fragments of bone or tooth left behind during the extraction can irritate the surrounding tissue, causing pain.
  • Nerve Damage: Temporary or permanent damage to nerves in the surrounding area during the extraction can cause lingering or sharp pain.
  • Poor Healing: If the extraction site does not heal properly, it can lead to ongoing discomfort and sensitivity.

Conclusion

So, is it painful to remove wisdom teeth? 

All in all, during the procedure, you should not feel pain and minimal discomfort, if any. Afterward, the extraction site may be tender for a few days, but with adequate rest and recovery, you should return to normal within one week.

If you have any concerns about wisdom teeth removal procedures, schedule an appointment with the experts at Stoney Trail Dental. 

FAQs

How long does wisdom tooth removal take?

The duration of wisdom tooth removal typically ranges from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

How painful is wisdom tooth removal?

While discomfort is common during recovery, the procedure itself is performed under anesthesia to minimize pain effectively.

Gurshant

Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on July 17, 2024

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