Imagine you just had your tooth pulled out; now you’re ready to rest, but the anesthesia wears off. Once the numbness goes away, pain and discomfort creep in. While tooth extractions are not particularly famous for being comfortable, throbbing pain could indicate something is wrong. So, is it normal healing pain or something much worse?
A dry socket is a possible complication after tooth removal; it results from a dislocated blood clot and causes excruciating pain. Nonetheless, it is still possible to experience throbbing pain after tooth extraction, but not due to a dry socket. Carry on reading to learn what it could possibly be!
Is My Tooth Extraction Site Healing Normally?
Pain and sensitivity after tooth extraction is normal in most cases. Usually, throbbing pain during the initial 24 hours after extraction indicates that your body is recovering. You might also experience pain in your head, jaw, or neck, as well as a sore throat. But these symptoms will go away within three days. Other than this, tooth removal has some temporary side effects, such as bleeding, soreness, tenderness, and swelling.
How long pain lasts after the procedure depends on the tooth removed, but it generally resolves in 3 days. For some people, the discomfort might extend a little more. You can know that your throbbing tooth pain after a tooth extraction is not due to a dry socket if it starts to get better in 3 days. However, if the pain persists after that, it is best to visit your dentist right away.
Signs the Severe Pain After Extraction is a Dry Socket
When your blood clot becomes dislodged, it can lead to a painful situation known as a dry socket, which requires instant dental attention. If you think you may have a dry socket, here are some signs that should be present:
- Severe pain 3 days after tooth extraction
- Pain radiates to the ear, eye, temple, neck, and the same side your tooth was removed
- Empty socket with no blood clot
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Terrible odor on your breath
- Mild fever
Do not wait to visit your dentist if you notice the dry socket symptoms; it only gets worse!
Throbbing Pain After Extraction, But Not a Dry Socket — What Else Could It Be?
Severe pain tooth extraction is normal if it lasts three days, but after that, it becomes a cause for concern. Dentists recommend not brushing your teeth, especially at the extraction site, on the first day. Your dental specialist might also recommend saltwater to prevent bacteria from reaching the empty hole. However, when bacteria does manage to invade the socket, it can cause an infection. Throbbing pain after extraction might not be a dry socket, but it could most definitely be an infection. Here are some signs of infection after tooth extraction:
- Unpleasant breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Fever
- Increasing pain after tooth removal
- Increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling in gums
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swollen jaw
Final Note
You may have throbbing pain after extraction but no dry socket. While pain in the first three days of extraction is normal, it could indicate an infection once the three days have passed with no sign of improvement. Visit your dental specialist right away if you have prolonged pain after tooth extraction.
Smile Forever Dentistry is here to cater to your dental needs. Dial (661) 666-4433 to talk to us now or give us a visit at 27947 Sloan Canyon Rd, Castaic, CA 91384, United States.