Having a tooth extracted can be a stressful experience, and it's normal to feel some pain afterwards. But if the pain is severe or doesn't seem to be improving, it's important to see your dentist to rule out any complications.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, you can expect some pain, swelling, and bleeding. This is all part of the healing process. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth after the extraction, and it's important to follow them carefully.
Common Causes of Pain After a Tooth Extraction
There are a few common causes of pain after a tooth extraction, including:
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Dry socket: This is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot that forms in the empty socket after the extraction becomes dislodged. Dry socket can cause severe pain, and it may need to be treated by your dentist.
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Infection: An infection can also cause pain after a tooth extraction. If you have a fever, swelling, or pus drainage from the extraction site, it's important to see your dentist right away.
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Nerve damage: In rare cases, the nerve that supplied the tooth that was extracted can be damaged. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the area.
How to Manage Pain After a Tooth Extraction
There are a few things you can do to manage pain after a tooth extraction, including:
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Take pain medication as directed by your dentist.
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Apply ice packs to the area for the first 24 hours.
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Elevate your head when you sleep.
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Avoid strenuous activity.
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Eat soft foods and avoid using straws.
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Keep your mouth clean by rinsing with salt water several times a day.
When to See Your Dentist
If you have any of the following symptoms after a tooth extraction, it's important to see your dentist right away:
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Severe pain that doesn't improve with medication
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Fever
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Swelling that gets worse
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Pus drainage from the extraction site
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Numbness or tingling in the area
Conclusion
Having a tooth extracted can be a painful experience, but there are ways to manage the pain and promote healing. If you have any concerns about your pain after a tooth extraction, don't hesitate to see your dentist.
About Us • Dentist Hillsboro, OR • Hoffman Dental Here at Hoffman Dental the mission of our office in Hillsboro, OR is to create a wonderful dental experience that leaves a positive impression for each patient. Hoffman Dental, 876 SE Oak Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123-4212 \ (503) 648-7700 \ dranthonyhoffman.com \ 11/3/2025 \ Related Terms: dentist Hillsboro OR \
Having a tooth extracted can be a stressful experience, and it's normal to feel some pain afterwards. But if the pain is severe or doesn't seem to be improving, it's important to see your dentist to rule out any complications.
