OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Nausea Two Months After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Greetings, I’m a 25-year-old male and it’s been two months since I underwent wisdom tooth extraction. The procedure required full sedation since both my lower teeth were impacted, and they decided to remove the upper ones while I was already under anesthesia. I did not experience any allergies to the anesthesia itself; however, I felt I had a severe adverse reaction which left me disoriented for almost an entire day post-surgery. During the first 24 hours, I faced several panic attacks—around six or seven—likely due to the aftereffects of the sedation. I adhered strictly to the dietary and care instructions provided. However, starting on day 7, when I was cleared for soft, solid foods, and again on day 14, when all food restrictions were lifted, I've been unable to eat without feeling intensely nauseous. Every meal or snack, whether it’s fruit, a full meal, or even chips, results in a nauseating sensation that lasts for about 2 to 4 hours. This situation has gotten so severe that I’ve begun skipping meals at work due to the fear that nausea might hinder my performance. I reached out to my oral surgeon last month, but unfortunately, they were rather unhelpful. There was no offer for a follow-up appointment; instead, they prescribed zofran. While that did alleviate some of the nausea, I’m reluctant to rely on medication and would prefer an investigation into the root cause of my symptoms. I must wait another two and a half weeks for my appointment with my primary care physician, and the persistent feeling of discomfort has left me feeling mentally exhausted. I’m eager to explore any other potential solutions in the meantime. Regarding my medical history, I was given a low dose of hydrocodone (I apologize for not recalling the exact dosage) during the first week following the surgery, along with 800 mg ibuprofen and antibiotics for preventive purposes, as there was no infection found. I have celiac disease and have maintained a gluten-free diet and cooked my own meals for nearly a decade. I doubt that my current symptoms are related to celiac, as I’ve been consuming the same gluten-free foods from a trusted source, prepared the same way I did before my tooth extraction. My episodes related to celiac tend to be extreme, often requiring emergency care for IV fluids. I do not take any daily medications, and I avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, even for headaches. However, I do carry an EpiPen in case of bee stings. As for my family medical history, there are instances of type one diabetes on my paternal grandfather’s side and brain cancer on my maternal grandfather’s side when I was just nine years old, though I lack specific details about the cancer. Finally, I want to express my appreciation to any medical professionals who take the time to read my post. Your help to those in need, particularly individuals on platforms like Reddit, is truly valued.

Answers (1)

8/22/2025, 9:21:29 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds challenging to deal with nausea two months after your wisdom tooth extraction, especially considering your medical history and concerns about ongoing discomfort. While it can be frustrating that your symptoms have persisted despite following care guidelines, let's explore potential reasons for your nausea and some practical steps you can take.

Key Points:

1. Nausea following wisdom tooth extraction can arise from various factors, including dietary changes, the body’s response to anesthesia, or even post-operative healing.
2. It's important to identify dietary triggers and consider possible psychological components related to anxiety, especially if you experienced panic attacks post-surgery.

Explanation:

Post-operative nausea can occur for several reasons, including:

• Anesthesia Effects: While you didn't have allergies, some patients continue to feel the effects of sedation or have gastrointestinal disturbances after surgery.
• Dietary Changes: Transitioning back to normal foods can trigger nausea, especially if your body is still adjusting after surgery.
• Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress may exacerbate feelings of nausea, especially if you've had previous panic attacks.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Inadequate hydration or nutritional imbalances might also lead to nausea.

Actionable Steps:

1. Keep a Food Journal: Track what you eat and how you feel after each meal. This can help identify triggers or specific foods that worsen your nausea.
2. Modify Your Diet: Consider trying bland, easily digestible foods (like bananas, rice, and toast) to see if they cause less nausea. Gradually reintroduce your normal gluten-free foods afterward.
3. Hydration: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids. Dehydration can worsen nausea. Try sipping ginger tea or electrolyte drinks, which may also help settle your stomach.
4. Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller portions every few hours to minimize the feeling of fullness, which could trigger nausea.
5. Relaxation Techniques: Explore methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help reduce anxiety and, potentially, feelings of nausea. This may assist in managing any stress or panic related to eating.
6. Posture After Eating: Try remaining upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to aid digestion and reduce nausea.

If your symptoms do not improve or if you experience other concerning signs (like severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or significant weight loss) before your primary care appointment, consider seeking immediate medical assistance.

In the meantime, taking these steps can hopefully provide some relief and help you better understand your symptoms. Your experience is valid, and I'm here to support you through it.