Wisdom Tooth Removal

[dinnydonnydo]

I had my lower wisdom tooth removed 7 days ago and i am still in a great deal of pain. i am taking nurofen and paracetamol (at the same time, which i've heard is allowed) which takes away the edge of the pain. but my jaw is hurting constantly. does anyone think i may have an infection?

[{Dakota}]

I had all 4 taken out a few years back, and although I was in pain, I certainly wasn't after 7 days. I think you should take a trip back to your dentist, it cetainly sounds like you have an infection.

I was given pain killers from the dentist, that were much stronger than what you'vebought from over the counter, was that not offered to you?

[dinnydonnydo]

Thanks for your reply Dakota. no i wasnt offered pain killers from my dentist, i was just advised to take nurofen. although a friend of mine had his removed on thursday he said is tooth does not hurt, although his dentist used some sort of lever to get his out. my dentist had to drill into my gum to get my tooth out so i thought this could be why i am still in pain. i wake up every morning in agony and its starting to get me down so i will definately go back to my dentist on tuesday. thanks for your help.

[{Dakota}]

Maybe it's different when having it done at the dentist, I had mine taken out in hospital under anaesthetic - I assume because all 4 were coming out at the same time.

Hope the pain goes before Tuesday :0)

[Jugglering]

I'd agree with Dakota... you shouldn't still be in agony after a week... definitely time to check back with toothdoctor... just where is Mr XLA when you really need him ? You may find a combination of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol help until you get back to the dentist early next week. Sensodyne toothpaste gel has also helped me in the the past - just rubbing a little bit onto the sore bits in my mouth has eased the pain enough to let me eat my dinner !

[saxonlynn]

Hiya! sorry to hear you are still in pain! I trained as a dental nurse {some years ago} it seems that you have an infection. Have you been rinsing your mouth out with a mild salt solution? I know that sounds like an old wives tale - but it really does help the healing process. Definately back to the dentist for antibiotics. In the meantime try co- codamol tablets. Regards saxonlynn

[twocats]

havng a wisdom tooth removed can be very traumatic, for
your mouth and jaw. i would say keep taking painkillers
for another 5 days and then if the pain does not subside
book an app. with your dentist. good luck

[Eve]

As above, I'd get back to the doctors to get it checked out.

I had one which was infected out in the chair and was in a great deal of pain for a while afterwards (they gave me these soluable antibiotics and couldn't keep anything down), was a nightmare as during my degree final exams.

Then had the other 3 out under anaesthetic and they were much better very quickly.

Best to get it checked out, especially if they didn't give you anything to guard off infection afterwards.

I used to use Bonjela to help numb the area and help the pain.

[MrXLA]

Most pain after dental extractions subsides within 3-5 days however this is an average and sadly pain and swelling can extend beyond this time particularly with lower wisdom tooth removal (especially if bone was removed).
Taking wisdom teeth out can be very easy or extremely difficult and in some cases its no surprise that there is a significant amount of pain afterwards.
You can take ibuprofen and paracetamol together to greater effect than either alone (assuming no medical contra indications in your case)
I would also recommend frequent warm salty mouthrinses and/or use of an antiseptic mouthrinse such as corsodyl.
Its quite possible that you have lost the blood clot from the socket/surgical site and this would unfortunately mean that you have exposed bone known commonly as 'dry socket' which is extremeley painful, if you make an appointment at the dentist and this is the case they should be able to place and analgesic and antisepitic dressing for you.
In some cases the socket itself is infected and sometimes this requires antibiotics. Best advice is to make an appointment.