Hi all--

I was so scared about the sedation and everything afterwards!

I had my upper right wisdom tooth extracted on Monday. It was partially impacted coming in on the side hitting the molar next to it. The surgeon said he did not need to do any surgery, he just pulled it. I don't understand how since it wasn't fully grown out. Anyway, I've been leaving it alone, but still VERY sore. Is this common? I took the Percoset Monday and yesterday, and don't know if I should take more pain pills today. I am very sore. I started rinsing yesterday. I'm just scared I might have some complications---what do I do now???

Hello,
I had all four wisdom teeth extracted about three weeks ago, without surgury, so I know your pain. My top to were half way out as well, and the dentist had no problem just plucking them out. I was surprised how quickly they all came out, about 10-15 minutes total, and how scared I was for nothing! Anyway, it has only been a few days for you, so you should still be in quite a bit of pain – that's normal. My mouth hurt for a week, with a lot of jaw pain. I took Darvoset for three days, and I probably would have taken it for longer if they didn't make me sick. Keep taking the pain pills if you need them, that is what they are for! I was told to watch our for something called Dry Sockets, which can happen around the 3-5 days after extraction and is supposed to be extremely painful. I thought I may have had it but didn't do anything about it. If the pain gets to be excruciating, tell your dentist, and I'm sure he/she can do something for you. I felt a lot better in a little over a week of the extraction and after the second week, I was almost back to normal. Good luck and swish very lightly to be careful to not disrupt the blood clot in the hole.

I wouldn't be too concerned yet. If the bleeding has stopped that's good. A little oozing might be expected or some fresh blood if you hit the area with your toothbrush or hard food. You're looking at two days post-op and it's not going to unusual to still have some discomfort. Dry sockets can occur, but 90+% of the time they're going to be on the lower, not the upper (due to the difference in bone density and blood supply). There sill be no mistaking a dry socket if you have one. You will have a certain level of discomfort. Then all of a sudden, the discomfort will go through the roof. If this happens, go back and your dentist can pack the area to relieve the pain. If you don't have a dry socket, then packing will only hinder healing. Try taking regular Advil every 4-6 hours and suppliment it with the Rx pain meds if needed (usually at night). Remember that it's easier to keep something from hurting than it is to get it to stop hurting after it starts. That's why I recomend taking the Advil regularly for the next couple of days.

Thank you so much for the replies! Do you think it's too soon for me to go back to work? I just seem to be sleeping most of the day away!

I haven't brushed the teeth yet, but I think I should, my mouth is getting gross! But I have been swishing with warm salt water. What should I do about that?

Another problem I have is that I clench my teeth when I sleep so I'm in even more pain in my jaw, but I think I will stick to the advil and then take the percoset at night.

Yes brush your teeth. If you can get by with advil and do not have to do any heavy lifting, then go ahead and go to work.