Still Some Pain 6 Days After Wisdom Teeth Removal? (photo)

Question

I got 4 wisdom teeth out 6 days ago and I'm still experiencing some pain. The rest of my family took about 3 days to recover so I'm a bit paranoid. The pain isn't excruciating but when I wake up and at some points in the day it's enough to make me a bit miserable. It's mostly on one side, there isn't swelling but every now and then when I spit out it's a bit yellowish. I've been doing salt water rinses religiously. Did I still get an infection?

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

Postoperative pain after wisdom teeth removal is not uncommon. Pain may last for few days with some people and longer with others. It is due to the surgery itself and soreness of the jaw from opening the mouth. If the pain is increasing, it may be due to a dry socket or infection, non of them is serious. Follow up with your dentist for evaluation and treatment. Good luck.

Vachik Danoukh, DMD · Answer

HI  Kattrinray!  It is not an easy procedure sometimes and I am sorry you are still having pain! The pain is normal and can last a week. Two things you mentioned that I am concerned about is you seem to be spitting out yellow stuff...I am more concerned about you spitting at all. The doctor should have mentioned not to spit because that can cause a dry socket. Also you mentioned when you spit, it  was yellow.  You need to go back to see your dentist and you may need antibiotics for an infection. He will help you with the dry socket that could be causing you your pain.  Take care and no more spitting!

Ramesh Babu Mandava, MDS · Answer

Not to worry at all. Chances are it is a dry socket formation. Usually when the bone is exposed you will experience lot of pain. Its dull boring pain. You should visit your dentist and he will Currette the open wound under local anesthesia and place a Dry socket pack (Zinc oxide eugenol pack) for 2 days. This will relieve your pain within half and hour. Get the pack changed in 2 days and after that the pack can be removed in 2 days. Healing would be wonderful without any pain.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD · Answer

You may have an infection. Most likely you have some food debris impacted in the extraction site which can cause the symptoms you describe. If you were not placed on antibiotics you may need to be. If you were not given a syringe to help you clean the sockets you may need one. Most pain is usually gone by 1 week under normal circumstances and if there were no complications with the surgery. If the pain radiates to your ear or other teeth you may have "dry socket" which can be treated by your surgeon easily, this is when the blood clot becomes dislodges and there is exposed bone, it is painful, but can be fixed. Speak with your surgeon about your symptoms

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

Usually the pain should be subsiding by day 7. If there is yellow pus coming out of the extraction site, you might have an infection or a dry socket. Have the surgeon take a look.

Still Some Pain 6 Days After Wisdom Teeth Removal? (photo)

Answers (5)