Right now, my job consists of pulling a lot of teeth, wisdom tooth extractions, and other oral surgery procedures. The question I get most is “is this going to be painful,” and understandably so.
Many patients have a fear of the unknown, coupled with dental anxiety or fear of the dentist. That’s why I always remind them that if something is painful, something is wrong. A lot of procedures are sedation extractions or have local numbing anesthetics, so patients shouldn’t really feel anything more than discomfort.
Discomfort and Swelling after a Dental Procedure
If you fell off your bike and hit your head on the pavement, you may be a little uncomfortable for a few days. Your head may swell to indicate it is healing and with swelling comes soreness and some discomfort. The same goes for dental procedures.
The swelling you will experience near the procedure area is a good thing; it is a sign of healing, but it is also a little uncomfortable. Swelling continues to increase until the third day following the procedure, but it should begin to decrease after the third day.
Discomfort normally peaks on the third day with the swelling, so it is important to follow the prescription regimen your doctor gave you, even if you aren’t uncomfortable or in pain, to stay ahead of any swelling or discomfort you may have.
Often the pain individuals experience from putting off necessary dental procedures is far worse than the procedure and discomfort that may follow. Plus, prolonging dental care may create the need for more complex procedures. Listen to the advice of your medical professionals to prevent more serious issues and complications
What if I Am in Pain after My Dental Procedure?
If you are in pain, your doctor needs to know. Serious pain could be a sign of a larger issue, and if a doctor knows immediately, they can build a treatment plan to address and correct your pain.
Your doctor has likely provided you with a series of prescription medicine and antibiotics. It is very important to complete all the medicine prescribed to you, as instructed by your doctor, even if you’re feeling great.
If you are concerned about your procedure and the pain to follow, ask your doctor or oral surgeon what the recovery process will look like and how to care for your body. My team and I are always happy to be a resource for you.
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