After wisdom teeth removal, many individuals experience discomfort in their cheeks, a common and expected part of the healing process. While the procedure is routine, the surgical intervention can lead to various sensations, ranging from anticipated soreness to more significant pain, depending on how the body responds and the complexity of the extraction. Understanding the underlying reasons for this cheek discomfort can help manage expectations during recovery.
Expected Discomfort After Surgery
Following wisdom teeth extraction, general soreness and tenderness around the surgical site and surrounding soft tissues of the cheek and jaw is normal. This discomfort arises from the manipulation of tissues during the procedure, including incisions and tooth removal. Swelling in the cheek and jaw is a natural inflammatory response to surgery. This typically peaks within 48 to 72 hours and then gradually subsides.
Another common sensation is jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth, a condition known as trismus. This can result from muscle trauma and inflammation in the jaw muscles, which are often stretched during the extraction. These sensations are a normal part of healing and usually improve within a few days to a week.
Specific Causes of Persistent Pain
Sometimes, cheek pain persists or intensifies beyond normal discomfort, indicating a specific issue.
Dry Socket
One complication is dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site dislodges or dissolves prematurely. This exposes underlying bone and nerve endings, leading to intense throbbing pain that can radiate to the ear, eye, or neck. A dry socket may also cause a foul taste or odor.
Infection
Infection is another reason for worsening cheek pain. Signs include increased swelling, redness, warmth, pus or discharge from the extraction site, a persistent bad taste or odor, and sometimes fever. Bacteria in the mouth can contaminate the surgical area, leading to localized or spreading pain.
Nerve Irritation
Nerve irritation or damage, though less common, can also contribute to cheek pain. Nerves like the inferior alveolar or lingual nerve, near wisdom teeth, can be affected during surgery. This can result in numbness, tingling, or altered sensations in the cheek, lip, or tongue, usually temporary but sometimes painful.
Muscle Spasms
Lastly, while some jaw stiffness is expected, persistent or severe muscle spasms can cause significant cheek pain, making it difficult to open the mouth. This can make eating and speaking difficult.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Recognize when cheek pain or other symptoms extend beyond normal post-operative recovery and warrant medical attention. Contact your oral surgeon or dentist if pain is severe, throbbing, and does not improve with medication. Worsening pain or swelling after the first few days, beyond 72 hours, can signal a complication.
Other warning signs include pus or discharge from the extraction site, spreading redness, or fever, which may indicate infection. Persistent numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue suggests nerve involvement needing evaluation. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, or excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours, are serious symptoms requiring attention.
Relieving Your Discomfort
Managing cheek pain and discomfort at home involves several steps to support healing. Pain relievers, whether over-the-counter or prescription, can help manage discomfort. Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the cheek for the first 24 to 48 hours can reduce swelling and numb the area. After this initial period, switching to warm compresses can help alleviate stiffness and soreness by promoting blood flow.
Maintaining a soft food diet is recommended to avoid irritating surgical sites and minimize chewing. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are well-tolerated.
Gentle oral hygiene is crucial. This includes careful brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the surgical site initially, and performing warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours to keep the area clean and reduce inflammation. Resting and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling. Avoiding straws, smoking, and vigorous spitting is important to prevent dislodging the blood clot.