Tooth extraction: how much pain is normal?

[SorrelSoup]

Hi, I had a bottom molar removed yesterday and I'm in a lot of pain. I'm taking 400mg ibuprofen every 8 hours, and 1 Co-codamol every 6 hours. The pain's constant. I do expect to have pain but am extra anxious as last time I had an extraction I got dry socket. I'm just wondering what to expect; can anyone please advise?

I'm shitting myself now as I'm having a tooth out this Friday

Don't worry; I'm sure it's only me that this happens to!!! It was a simple extraction too! Make sure you have all the painkillers in ready. Most people would ease off the painkillers as time went on; I was increasing mine and still getting no relief. It's obvious when somethings not right. I was made to feel silly for going back two days running, but I can't sit there crying in pain. I'm so scared for tonight. Fingers crossed! Good luck to you Leopard!

I had a tooth out last week, after a horrible infection and very traumatic extraction. I was in a lot of pain for about 5 days, it has finally started to subside now. I was totally paranoid about dry socket, and have been driving DH mad by making him shine a torch in my mouth and look at it! I was surprised at how long it hurt for tbh. I hope your magic mouthwash continues to do the trick!

Oh teacher, it's bloody awful isn't it?! Mine started as a filling a week ago. You made me laugh with the torch thing!!! I've had dh looking too with his. I was crying with pain, he was shouting that it looked fine and healthy; yes dh, you're looking at where I had my wisdom tooth removed 15 years ago. Twat.

Really glad to read that the pain has gone! That sounds like magic mouthwash.

Hahaha-dh had a tooth out about 12 years ago and of course it came out in one go, no complications, no pain afterwards etc. So he's been very sympathetic but slightly bemused when I keep saying 'no it is still hurting!'

Thank you so much! I have an infection too

I've been up since 1am with pain. Took 400mg of ibuprofen and 1000mg of paracetamol. Used the mouthwash, put ulcer gel on too. It's day 4. What do I do??? The dentist has not been kind, I've been back twice now. I've two small dc to lol after and paid work to do. Do I go to the gp? Just leave it? I've half a box of amoxicillin in my drawer; should I take it?

I think the dose of ibuprofen for this should be 600mg
400mg is below threashold and wont cut it, you will just add drugs to your body for no effect
Ask your GP
I would have 600mg ibuprofen 3 times a day and 1000mg paracetamol 3 times a day

But I am not a doctor so please ask yours or pharmacists, just go to boots and ask

Dont take amoxicilline without medical advice

Thanks. Pharmacist said definitely no more than 400mg ibuprofen.

Have you got an emergency dentist nearby to see instead?

Take the ibuprofen and co-codamol. You need something stronger than paracetemol. I would also go to another dentist (you can call 111 and they will help you) for a second opinion. Did your dentist x-ray to double check for infection? Were you on antibiotics prior to the extraction? I have had one extraction and I started the antibiotics 3 days prior and took them 4 days after as a precaution.

try oil of cloves. Put it into the socket, If the dentist packs the socket that's basically what they put in. It is amazing stuff. I have been in agony from extractions for weeks sometimes, especially if I have a dry socket. the nerve pain is horrendous.

Can you try a different dentist? Mine was amazing-sent me to the hospital for an emergency extraction because he said that no one should be in that much pain. I ❤️ Him. You poor thing x

Not had any antibiotics at all. She hasn't xrayed. She just said it's from the ulcer. Even when I was on codeine it didn't do anything. She seemed really pissed off with me like I was wasting her time. I asked 3 times if I needed antibiotics.

That doesn't sound right for an extraction (had two myself recently and barely any pain) but do you think the dentist is right that is the ulcer?

I had an infection a few weeks after one extraction but that was swelling not pain.

It could be the ulcer, yes, but I can't sit in constant pain.

Fingers crossed SorrelSoup, I had 2 dry sockets, also followed the post op advice to the letter, never smoked etc, after already having one. It was Christmas, so not even an emergency dental clinic open, local Hospital doesnt take dental emergencies, anyone who has ever had ones knows you are demented with pain. Mine didnt take 5 days to start, it was the following day, I expected some pain because I had to have the tooth removed by a Max Fax surgeon, so it was a complicated surgical extraction, not a dentist. I have a crack in the one the other side, waiting for it to fail!!! Dentist said to me a couple of months ago, why dont I just have it removed, and get an implant ( thinking about having a couple, no desided yet) Told her I couldnt bring myself to, not till it breaks. Has made me severley dental phobic! Hoping you pain has now gone for good. Normally extractions dont cause a huge amount of pain, I remember my H having all his wisdom teeth removed in Hospital, lots of swelling not not too much pain, discomfort, yes, for a few days.

PS I was automatically given antibiotics.

I wpuls call the reception and ask for another dentist

I really think you have dry socket by the pain you're having. See someone else

Thanks all. I asked to see another dentist. I have a horrendous ulcer, DRY SOCKET, start of an infection. At least I'm not going mad. I bloody knew this on Tuesday. Got antibiotics. Got an emergency gp appointment now. Going to ask for sleeping tablets for a few days, as recommended by dentist whilst ulcer gets better, or stronger pain relief. Should not have been given difflam mouthwash but the spray. What an absolute nightmare. Lovely dentist this time.

So glad you saw someone else. Knew it was dry socket. My sister got told same as you - not dry socket and had horrendous pain for a week then went to another dentist - dry socket!

Yes, you know if you've got it!!! Fingers crossed this packing will last the weekend. Got naproxen and hardcore Co-codamol from the gp.