Jaw Pain After Tooth Extraction: 7 Recovery Tips
Are you experiencing jaw pain after a tooth extraction? It’s common to feel discomfort in your jaw following the procedure, and while some pain is expected, there are ways to manage it effectively and promote a smooth recovery. We understand that the healing process can sometimes feel challenging, which is why we’ve compiled these 7 essential recovery tips to help ease jaw pain after tooth extraction.
Whether it’s the tenderness from the extraction itself or the strain on your jaw muscles, managing post-extraction discomfort is an important part of healing. Here are our expert-recommended tips to make your recovery as comfortable as possible.
Why do You feel Jaw Pain After Tooth Extraction?
Experiencing jaw pain after a tooth extraction is normal. That can be attributed to several factors and understanding why this discomfort happens would help you manage and alleviate the pain more efficiently.
1. Normal Post-Operative Pain
After a tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience some degree of pain as your body begins the healing process. The extraction site and surrounding tissues undergo trauma during the procedure, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This pain normally peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours and slowly getting easier over the next few days.
2. Swelling and Inflammation
Swelling is a natural response to the trauma of tooth extraction. The body’s inflammatory response helps in the healing process but can also contribute to jaw pain. Swelling can place pressure on the jaw and surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort. Applying ice packs to the affected area in the first 24 hours can help ease swelling.
3. Dry Socket
A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a common complication that occurs when the blood clot is at the extraction site either fails to form properly or becomes dislodged. Without the protective blood clot, the underlying bone and nerves are exposed, leading to severe pain that can radiate to the jaw and ear. Symptoms of dry socket typically appear 2-4 days after extraction and require prompt attention from a dentist for proper treatment.
4. Muscle Soreness
The muscles around your jaw can become sore after an extraction, especially if the procedure was lengthy or required significant force. Holding your mouth open for an extended period can strain the jaw muscles, leading to post-operative soreness. This is particularly common with the removal of impacted teeth or during surgical extractions.
5. Nerve Irritation
During tooth extraction, the surrounding nerves can be irritated or inflamed. This irritation can cause pain that radiates to the jaw and other areas of the face. While this type of pain usually diminishes as the inflammation subsides, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by your dentist to rule out nerve damage.
6. Infection
Infection at the extraction site can cause significant pain and swelling. Symptoms of infection include persistent pain, swelling, fever, and a foul taste or odour in the mouth. If you suspect an infection or abscess, it’s crucial to contact your dentist promptly for appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics.
7. Bone and Gum Healing
As the bone and gum tissue heal, you may experience discomfort and pain. The healing process involves the remodelling of bone and tissue, which can cause temporary pain in the jaw. Keeping the area clean and following your dentist’s aftercare instructions can help minimise discomfort during this healing phase.
Jaw Pain Recovery Tips After Tooth Extraction
1. Follow Your Dentist’s Post-Operative Instructions Carefully
The first and most important step to reducing jaw pain and ensuring a speedy recovery is to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist. After a tooth extraction, the surrounding area will naturally be tender, and adhering to the instructions you receive will help minimise discomfort and promote healing.
Our dentists at Endeavour Hills provide a comprehensive guide on how to care after tooth extraction when to take pain medications and what foods to eat. These guidelines are specifically designed to help prevent complications and ensure you recover as quickly as possible.
2. Apply Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling
Swelling is a typical part of the recovery process after tooth extraction, and it can contribute to jaw pain. Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help minimise both swelling and pain. We recommend wrapping ice in a soft cloth and placing it on your cheek near the extraction site for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, during the first 48 hours after your procedure.
This simple yet effective method helps constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and offering much-needed relief from discomfort.
3. Take Pain Medications as Directed
Pain is a common post-extraction symptom, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to help control your discomfort. It’s important to take these medications exactly as directed. If you’re using over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and timing.
Taking your medication at regular intervals can help you stay ahead of the pain, preventing it from becoming too intense and making your recovery smoother.
4. Eat Soft Foods and Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
What you eat can play a big role in how you feel during your recovery. For the first few days after the extraction, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, and smoothies. These are gentle on your jaw and won’t irritate the extraction site.
Do not chew on the side where the tooth was removed, as this can put unnecessary strain on your jaw and delay healing. Keeping pressure off the extraction site can help alleviate jaw pain and prevent any complications.
5. Keep Your Head Elevated
To help reduce swelling and discomfort in your jaw, it’s important to keep your head elevated, especially while you sleep. Lying flat can cause increased blood flow to the area, leading to more swelling and pain. We recommend propping up your head with extra pillows to keep it at a 30-degree angle during the first few nights after your extraction.
This simple adjustment will make a significant difference in minimising discomfort and helping you heal faster.
6. Perform Gentle Jaw Exercises
After a few days of rest, gentle jaw exercises could help prevent having stiffness and improve circulation to the affected area. With the approval of your dentist, start by gently opening and closing your mouth. These movements can increase blood flow, prevent your jaw from becoming stiff, and help speed up the healing process.
Be sure to take it slow and stop if you experience significant pain. Overexerting yourself can make things worse, so always listen to your body and consult your dentist if you’re unsure.
7. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
While you must keep the extraction site clean, you’ll need to be extra gentle to avoid irritating the area. For the first 24 hours, refrain from brushing directly on the extraction site to protect the blood clot that forms. After that, you can resume brushing, but use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid any pressure on the area.
Rinsing with warm salt water after the first 24 hours can also help keep the extraction site clean and promote healing. Be sure to avoid commercial mouthwashes during the early stages, as they can irritate the site.
Summing Up
Jaw pain after a tooth extraction is common but manageable. By following these 7 recovery tips, you can alleviate discomfort and support the healing process. If you experience severe or persistent pain, or if you notice any signs of infection or abscess don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
