Even though it is a recommended procedure to help avoid disease and potential pain, after the removal of a wisdom tooth pain relief will needed by the majority of people as the injured site heals. The discomfort felt is a perfectly normal response of the body during the healing process, but can be alleviated through a couple of different means to make the patient more comfortable.
Surgery is usually required for the removal of wisdom teeth due to their location in the mouth. Emerging as far back in the mouth as can be imagined, the molars often are developing in an area that is much too small to accommodate any further teeth. Normal tooth extraction is not out of the question, but they are less frequent. A surgical procedure requires incisions to be made in the soft tissues of the gum in order to expose the tooth, and some bone removal may prove to be necessary in certain cases.
Any type of surgery is stressful for the body. Although surgery is meant to improve the health and condition of the patient, it is still a violation that the body must strive to heal. Dental surgery is no exception. Side effects from the procedure will include swelling, tenderness, bleeding and pain. These will all slowly diminish as the body heals the area, but can be relieved to make the healing process more durable.
Probably the most feared side effect is wisdom tooth pain. Relief is generally anticipated by the surgeon, who will prescribe an effective pain reliever that will get the patient through the next couple of days. For pain that is not severe, an over the counter medication can be taken to alleviate the discomfort. It is important, however, to avoid aspirin unless specifically directed by a doctor; aspirin tends to thin the blood and prevent normal clotting, which is a normal part of the healing for tooth removal. Another method of easing the pain from tooth surgery is to apply cold packs against the affected jaw. This will also help to reduce swelling.
When the pain from the surgery is not alleviated by pain medication, or is accompanied by fever, the patient should contact their oral surgeon. This could indicate infection or some other complication that could prove to be serious if not immediately treated.
Despite the fact that removal of the molars can be painful, wisdom tooth pain relief through medication is usually very effective. Within a few days, the natural healing process will have done its job and the discomfort, along with the unneeded wisdom teeth, will be nothing but a memory.