Experiencing Severe Pain Five Days After Wisdom Tooth Removal—Is It Typical?
I’m reaching out for some insight after having my wisdom teeth extracted five days ago. I'm a 23-year-old woman, standing at 4'11'' and weighing 125 pounds. All of my wisdom teeth were fully impacted during the procedure. Initially, I felt quite well for the first couple of days; however, on the night of the second day, I was unable to rest due to intense pain. Now, just yesterday and today, I've found myself in tears because the discomfort in my jaw is excruciating—it feels as though it might break apart. In a moment of desperation, I contacted my doctor who reassured me that this is a common occurrence. She advised me to continue moving my jaw regardless of the pain, which is challenging given the level of discomfort I’m experiencing, especially when eating. My doctor prescribed 600mg of ibuprofen to be taken every six hours, with or without Tylenol. I'm also following her recommendations to alternate between heat and ice, make sure I get plenty of rest, and gradually introduce more solid foods into my diet. I’ve been diligently doing all of this. Upon inspecting my mouth, I notice that everything appears normal; there are no signs of infection or pus in the sockets. Is this level of pain typical? I’ve heard that post-surgery discomfort can occur, but I find it hard to grasp that enduring an 8 out of 10 in pain after five days is usual. It’s quite overwhelming, and I would greatly appreciate any guidance or shared experiences from others. For context, I have a history of chronic migraines and I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. My medications include Lexapro, ibuprofen, and Tylenol. Additionally, I want to note that I haven’t smoked or consumed any alcohol or drugs since my surgery other than ibuprofen.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 11:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and concerned about your pain levels after wisdom tooth removal, particularly when you were reportedly doing well initially. Five days post-surgery and experiencing intense pain can be distressing, so let's address your situation clearly and empathetically.
Main Points
- Severe pain after wisdom tooth extraction can happen, but a pain level of 8/10 after five days may be higher than typical.
- It’s important to monitor symptoms, manage pain effectively, and ensure proper healing.
Explanation
After wisdom tooth extraction, especially for fully impacted teeth, some pain and swelling is normal due to the surgical trauma to the tissues. Most patients notice a decrease in pain as their body begins to heal over the first few days. That said, the level of pain you're experiencing (8 out of 10 on a scale) after five days is concerning, particularly if it's causing severe distress and impacting your ability to eat or rest. The fact that you checked for signs of infection and found none is reassuring, but it doesn't eliminate the need to address your pain effectively.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Pain Management: Continue taking the ibuprofen as prescribed, ensuring you're consistent with your doses. If you find this isn't sufficient, consider discussing the possibility of adding or adjusting medication with your healthcare provider directly. Sometimes, a stronger pain relief option may be necessary.
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Supportive Care:
- Keep alternating between heat and ice as you've been advised. Ice can reduce swelling, while heat might help with muscle relaxation, but be careful not to apply either too long to avoid skin irritation.
- Make sure to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible, as recovery can be impacted by your overall well-being.
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Jaw Mobility: While it's important to move your jaw gently to prevent stiffness, focus on very gentle movements and only do what feels manageable. If the pain increases with movement, take it slow.
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Monitor for Changes: Continue to check your mouth for any signs of improvement or potential complications, such as increasing redness, swelling, or a change in discharge from the extraction sites.
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Feedback Loop: If your pain remains at this level, or worsens, it’s important to advocate for your needs with your healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to express the extent of your pain and how it’s affecting your day-to-day life.
While healing varies from person to person, your experience of pain is valid, and managing that pain is a priority. If you feel comfortable, try to discuss your anxiety and depression with your doctor, as these conditions can influence pain perception and coping mechanisms.
Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further support or guidance!
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