Post Dental Surgery Pain: what it is and how we help

Pain after dental surgery at a glance

Some pain and swelling is normal after dental surgery such as wisdom tooth removal, implants or extractions. It usually peaks in the first two to three days and settles within a week. Your dentist's aftercare advice comes first. Pain that worsens after a few days can mean dry socket or infection, which needs your dentist.

What is normal after dental surgery?

• Pain and swelling that peak at 48 to 72 hours
• Mild bleeding or oozing on the first day
• Jaw stiffness and difficulty opening wide
• Bruising on the cheek

When is it not normal?

• Pain getting worse from day three onwards, often with a bad taste (possible dry socket)
• Fever, pus or spreading swelling (possible infection)
• Numbness that does not wear off

How is post-operative dental pain managed?

Follow your dentist's advice on painkillers, salt water rinses and eating. Dry socket and infections are treated by your dentist. Jaw stiffness usually eases with gentle movement.

How we help in Chiswick

• Acupuncture: post-operative dental pain is one of the uses of acupuncture with supporting evidence from clinical trials; used alongside, not instead of, your dentist's advice.
• Manual lymphatic drainage: gentle facial lymphatic drainage to help with swelling once your dentist is happy. Read our facial lymphatic drainage guide.
• Physiotherapy: gentle jaw exercises for stiffness after surgery.
• Red light therapy: photobiomodulation has been studied for reducing pain and swelling after oral surgery.

What is dry socket?

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction breaks down or is lost, exposing the bone. It usually causes increasing, throbbing pain two to four days after the extraction, often spreading towards the ear, with a bad taste or smell. It is more common after wisdom tooth removal and in smokers. Your dentist can clean the socket and place a soothing dressing.

How long does swelling last after wisdom tooth removal?

Swelling usually peaks at two to three days and settles within a week to ten days, and bruising can take up to two weeks to fade. Jaw stiffness is common and gradually eases. Swelling that worsens after day three, or comes with fever or pus, needs your dentist.

What can I eat after dental surgery?

For the first few days, choose soft, lukewarm foods such as soup, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potato and porridge, and avoid very hot, crunchy, spicy or sticky foods. Chew on the opposite side and avoid straws and smoking, which can dislodge the clot. Return to normal foods gradually as comfort allows.

What to expect at Omnia

We see people once their dentist is happy with healing. Your appointment covers the procedure, any complications and current symptoms such as swelling, jaw stiffness or pain. Treatment may include gentle facial lymphatic drainage, jaw exercises, acupuncture or photobiomodulation, and we refer you back to your dentist if anything suggests infection or dry socket.

What you can do at home

• Use cold compresses on the cheek for the first 24 hours
• Rest with your head raised
• Avoid smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing for the first days
• Eat soft foods and keep the area clean as advised

Related: toothache and jaw pain. Omnia Lifestyle, Chiswick W4. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.