Any discomfort that you experience after oral surgery will tend to gradually improve over the course of the next several days. In most cases, people are much more comfortable by day three or four.
However, there are instances where pain might increase around day three and last through the week. This is usually attributed to a complication known as a dry socket. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid wisdom tooth pain, but it means paying particular attention to any home care instructions and dietary restrictions that you’re given at the time of your procedure.
Pain after wisdom tooth extractions is usually minimal enough that it can be managed with an over the counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) when used as directed. Only in rare situations is a prescription-strength pain medication recommended.
After your wisdom tooth extraction, we usually recommend applying a cold compress on and off of that side of your face every 20 minutes. The cool temperature helps to alleviate swelling, which is one of the most common sources of pain following oral surgery.