Swallowing Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Understanding What’s Normal

After having your wisdom tooth removed, you may experience various symptoms as your body heals. One common issue is pain when swallowing, which can be concerning. This article aims to clarify whether this pain is normal after both general anesthesia and local anesthesia.

Understanding Local vs. General Anesthesia

When you undergo a wisdom tooth extraction, the method of anesthesia used can significantly impact your post-surgery experience. If the procedure was performed under local anesthesia (LA), the pain during swallowing is generally not related to the extraction itself, but could be due to other factors such as a sore throat or a cold that you may have started with before the surgery. However, if you received general anesthesia (GA), the pain could be attributed to the intubation process, as mentioned by the anesthesiologist.

Identifying the Source of Pain

It's important to determine the source of the pain to ensure proper healing. If the surgery was performed under LA and you're experiencing significant pain when swallowing, you should consult your doctor immediately. It's also a good idea to get back to the surgeon for suture removal to ensure everything is healing correctly.

Pain in the throat may arise due to a secondary infection or an iatrogenic injury. While sutures are usually not supposed to cause significant pain, if your pain persists after taking antibiotics and painkillers, it's crucial to reach out to your dental office for further evaluation.

Managing Swallowing Pain Naturally

Dr. Jaggu highlights that it is quite normal to experience pain and swelling after the removal of a lower wisdom tooth. When you close your mouth, you may feel a sensation of something you are biting on, which can be painful. However, it's important to note that if the pain persists or worsens over time, it is advisable to contact your dental office.

According to Dr. Jaggu, the swallowing pain after extraction is common and should improve with time. If the pain doesn't subside within two days, it's best to see your surgeon for further evaluation. Many patients experience no issues for the first few days but then notice the pain setting in.

Healing and Recovery

Some discomfort and dull pain around the extraction site during swallowing can be normal as your body heals, especially up to day 5. The healing process can take several weeks, with the bone regrowing and filling the extraction site. However, if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever or excessive swelling, it's essential to consult your dentist or oral surgeon for a proper evaluation.

Conclusion

While swallowing pain can be a common and understandable concern after wisdom tooth extraction, it's important to monitor your recovery and seek professional advice if the pain persists or worsens. By understanding the difference between normal healing processes and potential complications, you can take appropriate steps to ensure a smooth and pain-free recovery.

For further questions or concerns, it is always best to consult your dental professional.

References:

MD, Dr. Jaggu: Wisdom Tooth Removal Aftercare Tips WebMD: Wisdom Tooth Removal Pain and Recovery Mayo Clinic: Wisdom Tooth Extraction