“It is not uncommon for a wisdom tooth extraction site to be uncomfortable for several weeks,” explains Guy M. Hanson, DDS, MBA, MAGD, Academy of General Dentistry.

“The discomfort should diminish on a continual basis,” says Dr. Hanson.

“The discomfort is usually in proportion to the amount of tissue damage experienced during the extraction procedure.

“If bone is removed, the discomfort period is longer than if no bone is removed.

“If an incision is made and sutures placed, the discomfort will usually last longer than if no incision was made.”

You will receive instructions for postoperative care including for how long to avoid solid food, and how to manage the pain with medications.

Dr. Hanson retired in 2014 after practicing dentistry for 35 years at the former Idaho Dental Wellness Center.

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.  
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