My Jaw Hurts So Bad After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to develop in the back of your mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, wisdom teeth don't cause any problems and don't need to be removed. For others, however, wisdom teeth can become impacted or cause other dental problems, which may require extraction.
Why Do We Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed:
- Impacted Teeth: If wisdom teeth don't have enough room to come in properly, they may become impacted, which means they're trapped in your jawbone or gums. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and other dental problems.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and other orthodontic problems.
- Cavities and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
The Procedure of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that involves the surgical removal of one or more wisdom teeth. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, which means you'll be awake but won't feel any pain. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, which means you'll be asleep during the procedure.
During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gums to access the tooth. They'll then remove the tooth and stitch up the incision. After the procedure, you'll need to rest for a few days and avoid certain foods and activities to allow your mouth to heal.
Why Does My Jaw Hurt After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It's normal to experience some pain and discomfort after wisdom teeth removal. Your jaw may be sore and tender for a few days or even weeks after the procedure. This is because your body is healing from the surgery and your jaw is adjusting to the absence of the tooth.
To alleviate the pain, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also apply a cold compress to your jaw to reduce swelling and inflammation.
How to Manage Jaw Pain After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Here are some tips to help manage your jaw pain after wisdom teeth removal:
- Take pain relievers as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
- Apply a cold compress to your jaw for 10-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Eat soft foods, such as soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes, for the first few days after the procedure.
- Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that may irritate your gums or cause pain.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help with the healing process.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, which can slow down the healing process.
- Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days after the procedure.
When to Call Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
If your jaw pain doesn't improve after a few days or gets worse, you should call your dentist or oral surgeon. They may need to examine your mouth and prescribe stronger pain medication or antibiotics to treat an infection.
Conclusion
While wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, it can cause some discomfort and pain afterward. However, with proper care and management, you can reduce your jaw pain and help your mouth heal faster. If you have any concerns or questions about your wisdom teeth removal or recovery, don't hesitate to contact your dentist or oral surgeon.