Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgical procedure, often performed to prevent or resolve issues like impaction, pain, or crowding. While the extraction process is managed with anesthesia, the period following surgery often involves discomfort, including pain when swallowing. Understanding why this pain occurs and how to manage it can significantly ease the recovery process.
Understanding Post-Extraction Swallowing Pain
Pain when swallowing after wisdom teeth removal primarily stems from the body’s natural response to trauma and the proximity of the surgical sites to the throat. Inflammation and swelling in the surgical area are common reactions, which can extend to surrounding tissues, including those in the throat. This localized swelling can make the act of swallowing uncomfortable or even painful as the inflamed tissues are compressed.
The muscles and nerves in the jaw and throat can also experience soreness due to the procedure. Keeping the mouth open for an extended period during surgery can strain these muscles, leading to discomfort noticeable during movements like swallowing. Manipulation of tissues and irritation of nearby nerves during extraction can contribute to referred pain in the throat. Discomfort is expected, with symptoms peaking around 48 hours post-surgery and gradually subsiding.
Strategies for Pain Relief
Managing swallowing pain after wisdom teeth removal involves a combination of at-home care and appropriate medication use. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for the first 24 to 48 hours can significantly reduce swelling and numb the area, helping to alleviate discomfort. This should be done in intervals, such as 15-20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, to prevent skin damage. After the initial 48 hours, switching to a warm compress can help with stiffness and promote circulation, aiding recovery.
Gentle rinsing with warm salt water can promote healing and reduce bacterial presence. This should begin 24 hours after surgery, with a solution of about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, rinsed gently several times a day. Maintaining a soft diet is important to avoid irritating the surgical sites and minimize chewing, which can exacerbate pain. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (without a straw to prevent dislodging the blood clot), and lukewarm soups are recommended.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often effective for managing pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), targets inflammation at the surgical site, while acetaminophen works by blocking pain signals. For more severe pain, a dentist or oral surgeon might prescribe stronger medication, which should be taken exactly as directed. Always take pain medication with food to help prevent nausea.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While some pain and discomfort are normal after wisdom teeth removal, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention from a dentist or oral surgeon. Increasing pain that does not respond to prescribed or over-the-counter medication, especially if it worsens a few days after the procedure, could indicate a complication like a dry socket or infection. A foul taste or odor in the mouth, persistent bad breath that does not improve with rinsing, or pus or discharge from the extraction site are indicators of infection.
Other concerning signs include a fever, particularly if it exceeds 101°F (38.3°C), or swelling that continues to increase or does not subside after 2-3 days. Difficulty opening the mouth widely, excessive or prolonged bleeding that saturates gauze quickly, or any new or worsening numbness or tingling in the lips, chin, or tongue also require prompt evaluation. These symptoms are not typical parts of the healing process and suggest a potential complication that needs professional intervention.