Between the ages of about 17 and 24, most people experience emergence of wisdom teeth. These large molars often cause pain and other problems, especially when they are impacted and fail to emerge correctly into an open space. If left untouched, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and complications from pinched nerves to infection. Extraction is a good option at this point, but many worry about the pain that follows wisdom teeth removal.
Features
Wisdom teeth removal is usually more complicated than other forms of tooth extraction. Since dentists will rarely remove wisdom teeth that are not impacted, the procedure causes more pain to the patient. The dentist must first cut through the gum to reach the impacted wisdom teeth. Sometimes, the teeth can be pulled directly, but it is not uncommon for a dentist to remove a small section of the jawbone to reach the teeth. Once the wisdom teeth are out, the dentist stitches the incisions closed.
Time Frame
Wisdom teeth removal is usually a very quick procedure, lasting only a few minutes for simple removals and up to 40 minutes for more difficult operations. During the removal, a dentist will control pain either with a local anesthetic or with a general anesthetic. Both forms of anesthetic take some time to wear off after the procedure. For local anesthetic, allow for several hours before feeling returns to the area. General anesthetic may affect you for up to 48 hours. The extraction location should be treated gently for the first few days, and you should avoid gargling or direct tooth brushing while the wound is fresh.
Types
The most effective pain relief following wisdom teeth removal can be gained with the use of narcotic pain killers. You will need a prescription from your dentist or doctor for these drugs, but they will help you in cases of extreme pain following your tooth removal. One of the most common narcotic pain relievers is Tylenol 3, which combines the acetaminophen of Tylenol with codeine. Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen that is effective but is also strongly addictive. Percocet is a standard post-surgical pain medication that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. When your pain has subsided, you can decrease discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Considerations
While your best choice for pain relief after wisdom teeth removal is in following the advice of your dentist, you may want to complement medical treatment with home remedies. These remedies include placing a clove of garlic on the affected area, chewing raw onion for three minutes daily, rinsing the mouth with a wheatgrass mouthwash and applying clove oil to the painful area. As long as you keep the site of the wisdom tooth removal clean, none of these remedies will hurt you, and they may help alleviate the pain slightly.
Warning
Your pain should diminish rapidly following wisdom teeth removal. You may, however, experience a longer painful period if the area of extraction becomes infected. Avoid smoking both before and after surgery, as this will increase inflammation, slow healing and raise the risk of infection. When brushing your teeth, flossing or eating, be aware of the wisdom tooth area and gently rinse the wounds with warm water if irritated.
