After wisdom teeth removal, many individuals experience a sensation of something being stuck in their throat. This unsettling feeling is common during the healing process. It often stems from the body’s natural response to surgery and recovery. Understanding its typical causes and when to seek professional attention can help manage this post-operative experience.
Understanding Common Reasons for the Sensation
Following wisdom tooth extraction, localized swelling and inflammation in the surgical area can extend to surrounding tissues, creating a feeling of pressure or a lump in the throat. This is a normal physiological response as the body heals. The extent of swelling can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction, with more involved procedures leading to greater tissue response.
Jaw muscles can become stiff or spasm due to the surgical procedure or from keeping the mouth open for an extended period. This muscular tension can result in a restricted feeling or difficulty swallowing. The discomfort is often a temporary consequence of muscular strain and inflammation.
Reduced fluid intake or certain medications can lead to a dry mouth and throat. This dryness can mimic the sensation of something being stuck, as there is less saliva to lubricate the throat. Staying hydrated is important for healing and can help alleviate this discomfort.
Anxiety surrounding a surgical procedure and its recovery can heighten an individual’s awareness of bodily sensations. This increased focus might make normal post-operative feelings, like mild throat irritation or pressure, seem more pronounced or concerning. Acknowledging this psychological component can help manage the overall recovery experience.
Identifying Signs of Concern
While some discomfort is expected after wisdom teeth removal, certain symptoms can indicate a complication requiring professional evaluation. Worsening pain, increasing swelling, fever, pus, or a foul taste or smell from the extraction site may signal an infection. Persistent or severe pain that does not improve with medication is also a red flag.
Significant or prolonged bleeding beyond normal oozing is another symptom of concern. While some bleeding is typical, continuous heavy bleeding for more than 24 hours suggests a potential issue. Similarly, genuine difficulty breathing or swallowing, beyond just the feeling of something stuck, warrants immediate attention as it could indicate a serious obstruction or spreading infection.
Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the lip, chin, tongue, or gums persisting beyond the expected duration of local anesthetic could indicate nerve involvement. While many cases are temporary, it is important to have this evaluated. Intense, throbbing pain that radiates to the ear, eye, temple, or neck, often accompanied by a foul odor or taste, can be a symptom of dry socket (alveolar osteitis). This occurs when the protective blood clot in the socket dislodges prematurely.
Self-Care Measures for Relief
To manage the sensation of something stuck in the throat due to common post-operative reasons, maintaining good hydration is beneficial. Drinking plenty of fluids like water and clear broths helps keep the mouth and throat moist, counteracting dryness that can contribute to the sensation. Avoiding very hot or cold drinks is also advisable.
Sticking to a soft diet for the initial days after surgery reduces strain on the jaw muscles and surgical sites, which can alleviate related throat discomfort. Foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies (without a straw), and soft soups are good choices. Gradually reintroducing solid foods as comfort allows is recommended.
Gentle jaw exercises, such as slowly opening and closing the mouth, can improve muscle flexibility and reduce stiffness that might contribute to the feeling. Applying warm compresses to the jaw and neck area after 24-48 hours can also help relax stiff muscles and reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter medications, as advised by the oral surgeon, can help control discomfort. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly recommended. Taking these medications with food can help prevent nausea.
Knowing When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if the “stuck in throat” sensation does not improve, or if other concerning symptoms develop or worsen. Persistent or increasing pain not relieved by prescribed or over-the-counter medication should prompt a call.
Signs of infection, such as fever, severe or spreading swelling, pus, or persistent foul taste or odor, require immediate attention. If you experience genuine difficulty breathing or swallowing, beyond the feeling of something stuck, seek professional help immediately.
Uncontrolled bleeding, where consistent pressure with gauze does not stop significant blood flow, is a reason to contact your dental provider. Prompt communication with your dental team is important for addressing potential complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.