A tooth extraction is a standard and relatively straightforward dental procedure for removing damaged teeth and teeth that may cause problems in the mouth. Modern dental techniques and technology have made tooth extractions incredibly safe and almost painless. Some post-op discomfort is normal, but in some cases, infections could develop. However, infections after tooth extractions are fairly rare, having generally no more than a 2% occurrence rate.
This article explains what to expect after a tooth extraction and signs of a serious issue, such as an infection.
How a tooth extraction works
A tooth extraction, also called pulling a tooth, is a common dental procedure during which a dentist removes a tooth from its socket and your mouth. Dentists perform these on patients for many reasons:
Severely damaged or decayed teeth
Impacted teeth
Severe gum disease
Preparing for full-mouth dentures or implants
Trauma (when a tooth moves up into its socket)
Here is how most tooth extractions work:
Pain management
The dentist applies pain management to lessen procedural pain for patients.
Tooth loosening
The dentist gently loosens the tooth with specialized tools by gently wiggling it back and forth. This severs it from the surrounding ligaments.
Extraction
The dentist carefully and smoothly removes the tooth from the socket with forceps, or tools designed to extract teeth, once the tooth is loose enough.
Cleaning and sanitation
The dentist thoroughly removes any infected or damaged tissue surrounding the root of the tooth and irrigates or flushes the socket.
Gauze
The dentist places gauze to control bleeding and promote clotting so the wound can heal.
Post-op care
The dentist instructs you on what to do after the procedure to facilitate healing, manage pain and swelling, and prevent complications.
Understanding and overcoming tooth extraction pain
Pain after the extraction is normal due to tissue damage, nerve sensitivity, and inflammation around the site. You will first notice the pain come on as pain management wears off. This tends to peak the day of and the day following the extraction, then gradually subside over a few more days. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness can last 7 to 10 days or more if multiple teeth were extracted. Ways to manage pain include:
Pain medication
The dentist may prescribe pain medication in certain situations. Otherwise, you could rely on over-the-counter pain medication. Many patients decide to take OTC medicine to alleviate pain from a tooth extraction, just as they would for a headache.
Cold compress
A cold compress or ice pack can help prevent swelling.
Saltwater rinses
Gently swishing saltwater in your mouth 24 hours after the extraction can help control pain without triggering more bleeding.
Diet
Eat soft foods and liquid foods at moderate temperatures. Avoid chips, seeds, or anything that could get lodged in the extraction site.
Oral care
Avoid brushing the area and vigorously swishing mouthwash. Avoid alcohol-based mouth rinses.
Following the dentist’s aftercare instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and being conscious of the extraction site can reduce the risk of infection occurring.
Tooth extraction pain after 7 days
Post-extraction pain is relatively consistent across patients who have teeth removed. Pain and swelling tend to increase on the day of the extraction once anesthesia, before decreasing gradually. By Day 7, you will likely have little to no pain and swelling but may need to be careful about eating and brushing for a few more days. Some pain after a tooth extraction isn’t necessarily a cause for concern unless it’s severe. This could indicate dry socket, which may occur 3 to 5 days post-extraction as a result of the blood clot dislodging from the healing extraction socket, or other concerns.
The key after getting a tooth extraction is to rest and focus on recovery. Eating soft and liquid foods — especially those high in protein — can protect the socket while providing the nutrients it needs to heal. Getting plenty of sleep can boost recovery as well. Keep the gauze pads in place for a few days to protect the wound and prevent bleeding. Carefully brush your teeth, steering clear of the area to prevent dry socket.
Tooth extraction pain timeline: Understanding pain levels post-extraction
Day 0 (day of extraction)
Pain level: High
Description of pain experience: There is minimal pain due to pain management, but pain increases 1 to 5 hours after the extraction as it wears off.
Associated symptoms: Bleeding, numbness, mild swelling
Day 1
Pain level: Moderate to high
Description of pain experience: Pain becomes more intense and peaks as the wound starts healing. Manage with pain meds and cold compress.
Associated symptoms: Swelling, difficulty opening mouth, some potential bruising, bleeding until 48 hours after
Day 2
Pain level: Moderate
Description of pain experience: Pain is less intense but still present. Swelling may increase as the wound heals. Continue with medication and ice packs.
Associated symptoms: Swelling increases, some eating difficulties, tenderness in the area
Day 3
Pain level: Moderate
Description of pain experience: Pain may lessen on Day 3. It may feel like a throbbing pain.
Associated symptoms: Swelling, potential bruising, sensitivity
Day 4
Pain level: Mild to moderate
Description of pain experience: Pain and swelling finally begin to decrease. You may be able to add more soft foods to your diet. Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth twice daily.
Associated symptoms: Less swelling, stiffness present but less than before
Day 5
Pain level: Mild
Description of pain experience: Pain and swelling continue decreasing. Gently brush and use saltwater and prescription rinses to keep the area clean and manage pain.
Associated symptoms: Minor swelling and jaw stiffness, some tenderness when eating
Day 6
Pain level: Mild
Description of pain experience: Pain is minimal. Swelling has mostly died down, and most tenderness may be related to swelling that has not subsided. Resume normal activities carefully.
Associated symptoms: More jaw mobility, minor tenderness and sensitivity
Day 7
Pain level: Very mild or no pain
Description of pain experience: Pain is very minimal, if not already gone. Contact your dentist if pain spikes unprovoked after having felt improvements, especially between days 3 and 5.
Associated symptoms: Little swelling (if any), dry socket will be noticeable here if it occurs
Signs of a tooth extraction infection
After a tooth extraction, you may experience minor pain and swelling. However, this tends to fade over a few days as things heal. That said, here are some signs that can point to a potential infection:
Persistent or worsening pain
This can indicate an infection in the area, especially if medication does not alleviate the issue.
Excessive, persistent swelling
If this occurs around the extraction site, it may indicate an infection. This is often accompanied by a fever.
Pus
Pus near the extraction site, often with a foul odor, could be a sign of infection. However, keep in mind that the scab will turn white as part of its natural healing process in the mouth.
Persistent bleeding
Bleeding beyond the initial 48-hour period after the extraction could indicate an infection.
Bad breath
An infection could cause bad breath, also called halitosis. So, if bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene habits, it may be a sign of infection.
Schedule an appointment at an Aspen Dental office near you if you’re experiencing halitosis.
However, as mentioned earlier, infections after a tooth extraction typically only have a 2% occurrence rate.
Treating a tooth extraction infection
Professional dental care is required to treat a post-extraction infection and minimize its potential consequences. Otherwise, the infection can spread and create other complications. Your dentist may drain pus from the area if necessary and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Follow all their instructions carefully. Schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental immediately for expert evaluation and treatment if you experience persistent pain, swelling beyond the typical post-extraction timeline, fever, or bad breath that won’t subside.
FAQs about infected tooth extraction and post-removal pain
How common are infections after a tooth extraction?
Infections post-extraction are relatively uncommon if you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and maintain good oral hygiene, but it can happen. Fortunately, infections are easy to treat if you address them early.
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How can you tell the difference between dry sockets and normal pain?
Normal pain tends to fade away and end after a few days once the extraction site heals. Dry socket pain is the opposite. It often worsens a few days after it occurs. It will be a severe, throbbing pain since bone matter and nerves are exposed to the air and foreign matter. Also, the socket area will look empty since the blood clot will have dislodged and will no longer seal it. Finally, persistent bad breath can indicate a dry socket.
Is it normal to experience jaw pain after a tooth extraction?
Jaw pain after extraction is normal, particularly if the extraction was more difficult or complicated. For example, wisdom tooth extractions often cause jaw pain due to the tooth removal and the necessity of holding the jaw open for long periods. However, this pain tends to subside over several days. If not, contact your dentist, as a dry socket or other issue may be present.
When can I resume normal activities after a tooth extraction?
Patients can often resume normal activities within 48 hours of a regular tooth extraction. However, they should avoid strenuous activity and problematic foods (hard, chewy, sticky, hot, and cold, along with small seeds and chips that can break into small sharper pieces) for a few more days. For wisdom teeth, resting and sticking to liquids and soft foods for longer are paramount to proper healing and preventing complications.
Get the professional dental care you need after a tooth extraction
Although infections don’t often develop after getting a tooth extraction, they can happen in rare cases. If you think you are experiencing signs of an infection post-extraction, it’s important to get professional dental care right away. Find an Aspen Dental office near you and schedule an appointment to get the treatment you need.
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