Most people expect some form of discomfort after a tooth is extracted, even if the process is painless due to anesthetics. However, an unexpected phenomenon is pain in other teeth after a tooth extraction, which can be bewildering.
So, in this blog, let’s find out why surrounding teeth hurt after tooth extraction and if it’s a sign of something more serious.
Is It Normal For Other Teeth to Hurt After Tooth Extraction?
It’s normal to feel soreness in surrounding teeth after a tooth extraction. This is because the site of the extracted sore is inflamed, and the surrounding tissues are affected. The nerves in adjacent teeth pick up on this inflammation, leading to temporary sensitivity and pain.
Another reason adjacent teeth hurt after a tooth extraction is that surrounding teeth may shift slightly when a tooth is absent, which can lead to feelings of discomfort at the extraction site.
Can Tooth Extraction Affect Other Teeth?
Now that we have established that pain is felt in other teeth after a tooth extraction, you might wonder if its effects go beyond temporary pain. The answer is that tooth extraction does affect surrounding teeth by altering their alignment. This effect does not happen immediately but manifests over some months.
Following a tooth extraction, the space left by the tooth can begin the process of bone resorption. Colgate describes bone resorption as part of a biological process that can result in shrinkage or loss of bone. This can cause shifts in the teeth’ alignments and further complications. You can avoid these complications by getting a dental implant or dental bridge to replace the missing tooth.
How to Treat Pain After Tooth Extraction
The surrounding teeth may feel sore or uncomfortable only in the initial days after tooth extraction. WebMD suggests that you may feel symptoms for 3-4 days. Normally, the pain may fade as the extraction site heals. Meanwhile, there are some strategies you can use for relief and faster recovery.
- Pain Relief Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. - Saltwater Rinse
Gently rinsing your mouth with a lukewarm salt water solution can reduce irritation and alleviate inflammation. - Avoid Straws and Smoking
Activities such as straw or smoking can dislodge the blood clot, which is essential to healing. This can result in extreme pain and a swift emergency dental visit. - Cold Compress
Consider using a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. It can help minimize the swelling and temporarily numb the pain. - Gauze Pad Placement
A gauze pad made of medical-grade cotton might be used to promote blood clot formation. It must be kept on the extraction site and not removed prematurely, as it is important for healing.
When to Seek Professional Help
It can be confusing to know if your tooth extraction symptoms are temporary or indicate something serious. Symptoms such as pain that persists beyond the given period or worsens instead of getting better need professional evaluation.
Look out for signs such as swelling, fever, or discharge from the extraction site, which can indicate a dry socket or an infection. You must seek professional dental help immediately.
To Summarize
Surrounding teeth might hurt after tooth extraction because your teeth have sensitive nerves that pick up on inflammation at the extraction site. However, this is temporary, and following proper after-care can help alleviate discomfort and speed up recovery.
If you have any more questions about teeth extractions and what comes after, ask Dr. Jeevan Ghatnekar at Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry. He can provide guidance on any concerning symptoms regarding your dental health. Schedule an appointment by calling (949) 552-1380.