Hello,

Thanks for writing in.

Swelling and pain are commonly associated with post-extraction of wisdom tooth.

There is chance of developing dry socket.

Obtundant dressing using iodoform gauze/zoe has to be given.

Take complete course of antibiotics-analgesics prescribed by your dentist.

Continue using hot/cold packs and gargle frequently using warm saline rinses.

Meanwhile keep the extraction socket area without any food lodgement.

Regards

DR.BINDIYA

Hi jeremy,
After reading your query i am not clear whether pain and swelling is on the side where wisdom tooth was removed or its the new place.
Anyways, if the swelling is on the other side it indicates the eruption of wisdom tooth and it is often associated with pain and pressure.
The overlying mucosa shows inflammation as the area is difficult to clean,it may even undergo infection and abscess formation due to lodgement of food and other debris, this is called pericoronitis. yes oral rinsing with lukewarm saline water or antiseptic mouthwash will help in subsiding symptoms.
this pericoronal flap can be excised to reduce inflammation and gum pocket and expose the tooth by a dentist.
A x ray examination will confirm the position of wisdom tooth if its impacted ,you can go for surgical removal.
If you have got swelling on the extraction site , it indicates infection may be due to presence of remnants ,get a x ray done and confirm it visiting a dentist.
i hope this helps .
take care

Hello

thanks for sharing your concern

Pain and swelling is seen in most of the cases of third molar post extraction. but are you talking of same side tooth or opposite side?

now post extraction swelling after three to four days of extraction would suggest two things. first it could be apart of post healing phase but some times it can be due to an infection also.

this has to be judged clinically. look for a case of dry socket too.

i would suggest you to visit your dentist once for evaluation of the heeling socket.

also do warm saline rinses twice daily.

maintain very good oral hygiene.

meanwhile take plenty of fluids and semi solid diet.

hope this helps

thanks.

Hello Jeremy.
well as per ur explanation above that ur wisdom teeth were removed more than a week ago. This gives a hint that probably u have undergone removal on both the sides if not one side ( ??? ) well usually wont experience any dry socket in this case as its not a fresh extraction. It does happen in few individuals that swelling recurs and then regresses. Considering it as a part of the healing stage i wouldn't worry much as of now. U do not need to Ice it with pressure anymore. Rather just have visit to ur Maxillofacial Surgeon who has performed the procedure on u for further evaluation, so as to guide U further in care- taking and rule out any other possibilities.
regards,
Dr. Manmeet