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Original poster

Tooth extraction pain

16 replies

ChocoLover7 · 04/07/2021 00:41

Just wondering if this is normal. I had a bottom pre-molar tooth extracted on Wednesday. The extraction wasn't exactly painful but it was horrendously uncomfortable. The dentist was struggling to take the tooth out, to the point where she was actually shaking as she was pushing and pulling. As soon as I got out of the dentist chair the pain kicked in. I have been taking paracetamol every 4 hours since the extraction and the last 2 days have been the worst. Now the painkillers only seem to work for an hour at a time and I'm sat there counting down the minutes til I can take the next dose.

Is it normal for it to still be hurting? I feel more swollen than the first 2 days. I don't think I have dry socket but could it be an infection? I've done salt water rinses which seem to aggravate it more. It feels like a deep throbbing pain which is radiating into my jaw, neck and ear. When can I expect this to stop hurting?!

OP posts:
TellingBone · 04/07/2021 00:51

A week normally I would think, barring infection. My last one involved a lot of pulling - practically foot on chest! That in itself causes trauma pain.

Do persist with the salt water rinses - tepid water. And you can alternate paracetamol with ibuprofen every two hours as long as you're not sensitive to either. My sympathies!

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 04/07/2021 01:11

do you have a dry socket?
because that's horrendously painful!

(dry socket = no blob of blood to protect the exposed parts)

you need to get it checked and have stronger drugs prescribed

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 04/07/2021 01:13

sorry, you already said not dry socket.
my bad (I'm half asleep...)

but it does sound like it, when DH had it the pain was non-stop, paracetamol & ibuprofen did nothing, co-codamol wore off too quickly

Justalittlebit10 · 04/07/2021 01:14

I had one out last week and was in loads of pain for 3 or 4 days then it went to just uncomfortable for about another 3. I alternated co-codamol with ibuprofen and salt washes really did help mine, just room temp not hot.
Now, 11 days on there is no pain but my gum all along that side is still swollen and sore, so I think I'll can dentist on Monday if still the same.

Justalittlebit10 · 04/07/2021 01:15

*call

Original poster
ChocoLover7 · 04/07/2021 05:43

I am also concerned that I may have taken too much paracetamol? As mentioned, I've taken 2 paracetamol every 4 hours pretty much since Wednesday. Would this be a cause for concern? Now I'm panicking!

OP posts:
ValerieMorghulis · 04/07/2021 06:31

You can take 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours - so you do need to be careful. Every four hours is 6 doses!

I find it helps to write it down, say 8am, 12 noon, 4pm and 8pm; then work out where to slot in some ibuprofen in between, as that will take away some of the swelling ( three doses in 24hours). Cocodamol might work better than paracetamol (not as well as!); toothache can be so awful

Schrutesbeets · 04/07/2021 06:37

I'd recommend going to your chemist and getting some cocodamol and taking that alternated with ibuprofen so you're essentially taking something every 2 hours.
BUT as a PP suggested, write down when you can take them (or set alarms on your phone), because people do get confused with the doses.

Silvercatowner · 04/07/2021 07:36

I'd go back to your dentist to check you don't have an infection starting. You can get co-codamol from the chemist - alternate with ibuprofen.

Nat6999 · 04/07/2021 08:21

You may have an infection starting or it could just be the bruising coming out, see your dentist tomorrow & until then alternate co-codamol & Ibuprofen, hot salt rinses, hot & cold compresses. You can take up to 8 co-codamol & up to 2400mg of Ibuprofen every 24 hours, my dentist told me to take 600mg Ibuprofen every 6 hours.

Golden2021 · 04/07/2021 08:33

An ice pack will literally numb the area. I think for 20 mins at a time. I used clove oil on an ear bud, which was absolutely brilliant. If it is dry socket you'll need it packing and that provides immediate relief.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 04/07/2021 09:42

@ChocoLover7

I am also concerned that I may have taken too much paracetamol? As mentioned, I've taken 2 paracetamol every 4 hours pretty much since Wednesday. Would this be a cause for concern? Now I'm panicking!
8 tablets in 24 hours is the max.

so if you took more than that you should call 111.

Original poster
ChocoLover7 · 04/07/2021 14:30

Thanks. Currently in A&E awaiting blood results because I have accidentally overdosed! Tooth pain is still there...argh

OP posts:
Eloisedublin123 · 05/07/2021 23:48

How are you now OP

Original poster
ChocoLover7 · 08/07/2021 01:41

Still in a lot of pain because I can't take painkillers. I'm on day 4 of antibiotics and they've only reduced the pain a little bit. My dentist also isn't answering the phone. I'm desperate for some relief as the pain has been more or less constant

OP posts:
Golden2021 · 08/07/2021 06:08

I would ring every dentist in my area or nearest city.

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