Which is more painful upper or lower wisdom tooth extraction?

Asked by: Jessyca Kub  |  Last update: October 4, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)

Your dentist will tell you how easy or difficult each tooth will be to remove after looking at the x-rays. Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove than lower ones, which are more likely to be impacted.

Which is the most difficult wisdom tooth extraction?

Wisdom teeth fall into four categories based on how they are positioned in the mouth: Full-Bony Impacted: This type of wisdom tooth removal is the most difficult because the wisdom tooth is completely stuck in the jaw.

What is the most painful part of wisdom teeth removal?

The empty socket and open wound will cause throbbing pain in your jaw and gums as if from a toothache. The pain may even cause a headache or pain in other parts of your head.

What day of pain is worse with the wisdom teeth removal?

Remember, the first two days after surgery are usually the worst. On the first day, the sedatives and painkillers used during surgery are still in your bloodstream, so you won't feel as much pain as you will on day two.

How painful is bottom wisdom teeth removal?

You'll feel some pressure just before the tooth is removed, as your dentist or oral surgeon needs to widen the tooth socket by rocking the tooth back and forth before taking it out. You shouldn't feel any pain as your wisdom teeth are removed because the area will be numb.

How painful is tooth extraction?

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How long is recovery from bottom wisdom teeth removal?

It can take up to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery for having your wisdom tooth or teeth removed. During this time, you may have: a swollen mouth and cheeks – this will be worse for the first few days but will gradually improve; gently pressing a cold cloth to your face helps reduce the swelling.

How long does bottom wisdom tooth extraction take?

Most wisdom tooth removal surgeries last about 40-90 minutes. Even if you're having all four of your wisdom teeth removed at once, the procedure typically takes an hour. If your wisdom teeth are in a difficult position or there are unexpected difficulties, the surgery may take a bit longer.

Why is day 3 the worst after wisdom teeth?

The swelling will build over the first 48 to 72 hours and then plateau for 2-3 days making the 3rd-5th days the worst for pain and swelling. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs.

What day is swelling the worst after wisdom teeth removal?

A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery. While each patient is variable, this swelling usually peaks on days 3-4 and should typically begin to resolve by day 5. You can limit the amount of swelling you will have by using ice packs.

Can I go to work the next day after wisdom tooth extraction?

Every patient is unique, but most are able to get back on the job within two or three days of the wisdom teeth removal procedure. That said, the nature of your work makes a difference. If your job involves strenuous activity, your oral surgeon may recommend that you take more time off.

Are lower wisdom teeth harder to remove?

Most upper wisdom teeth can be removed easily under a local anaesthetic. Lower wisdom teeth can be more difficult to remove. Removing a wisdom tooth can involve cutting the gum to uncover your tooth, removing bone around your tooth and dividing your tooth with a drill.

Why experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth?

Increased Awareness of Risks: Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, and as with any surgery, risks are involved. In rare cases, these risks can include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and even death.

What is the longest wisdom teeth recovery?

Dentists may consider wisdom teeth removal a minor procedure, but it can take a person up to 2 weeks to fully recover.

Is wisdom tooth extraction worse than normal tooth extraction?

Most patients find that wisdom tooth extraction is no worse than having a regular tooth extraction. To avoid any wisdom tooth extraction pain, we use a local anaesthetic to numb the area. If you're a particularly nervous patient, we can even provide inhalation sedation to help you feel more comfortable.

How long do you have to wear gauze after wisdom teeth?

Keep gauze on the surgical area with some pressure (biting) for 30–45 minutes. Remove the gauze after 30–45 minutes and replace it with a new piece of gauze if you are still bleeding. It is important to make sure the gauze is directly on the surgical site. Firm pressure for another hour should stop the bleeding.

What if I can't get food out of extraction site?

Dislodge the food by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (saline) solution. Avoid swishing the water around and don't spit—this can lead to painful dry sockets. If you received a syringe from your clinician, you can use warm water or salt water to gently flush the socket clean.

What helps gums heal faster after extraction?

It is best to stick to soft foods requiring minimal chewing, such as applesauce, yogurt and pudding. Vitamin C and vitamin A help to support the healing process following a tooth extraction. Therefore, it is a good idea to eat foods rich in these nutrients.

What to expect 3 days after having your wisdom teeth pulled?

3 Days Post Extraction

After about 3 days, the empty tooth socket will have mostly healed. There should be no more bleeding present, and swelling should be minimal at this point.

Is day 2 of wisdom teeth removal worse?

The pain and swelling should subside more and more each day following surgery. The second day following surgery is usually the worst day for swelling. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens or unusual symptoms occur call my office for instructions. There will be a cavity where the tooth was removed.

Is it safe to remove all 4 wisdom teeth at once?

It's Better to Take Out All Wisdom Teeth at the Same Time

Once you decide to undergo wisdom teeth surgery, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is whether you want to remove all four teeth at the same time or just to have the ones causing you pain.

Can I drive after wisdom tooth extraction?

As we mentioned, most oral surgeries require stronger anesthesia, such as IV sedation and general anesthesia. With these types of sedation, you will need to wait a full 24 hours before you drive around again on your own. If you don't, and you get in an accident, you could be charged with driving under the influence.

Is it dry socket or just pain?

Dry sockets become increasingly painful in the days after a tooth extraction. They may also have exposed bone or tissue, or an unpleasant smell. By comparison, normal healing sockets get less painful over time and do not cause any other symptoms.

Why is wisdom teeth recovery so painful?

Pain After Wisdom Tooth Procedure Is Normal!

If you think about it, wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure and with all the best will in the world, the gum tissue and bone that housed your wisdom tooth are likely to be pulled around. So at the very least, the extraction area is likely to be tender.