Wisdom teeth removal pain day 2

Removal creates a socket in the jawbone surrounded by injured gum and, sometimes, a surgical wound. Inflammation can make the cheek tight and the mouth harder to open; severe throbbing pain that becomes worse after initial improvement can indicate loss of the clot and dry socket.

Take prescribed or dentist-approved pain medicine exactly as directed, use a cold pack against the cheek during the early swelling period, choose soft foods, and keep the mouth clean without brushing directly over the socket. Avoid smoking, vigorous rinsing, and poking the wound.

Contact the surgeon for uncontrolled pain, a foul taste or odor, persistent bleeding, fever, pus, or swelling that spreads. Emergency care is needed for difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly increasing facial swelling.

Ask whether the socket and clot appear to be healing normally and which pain medicines fit your medical history. Ask how to clean the area, when to resume normal brushing, and whether a review is needed for suspected dry socket or infection.