The Ultimate Guide: How long should I take painkillers after wisdom tooth extraction

Yo, what’s up guys! Are you feeling the pain after wisdom tooth extraction? Well, don’t worry, it’s a common thing and we got you covered! In this ultimate guide, we will be talking about how long you should take painkillers after wisdom tooth extraction. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

Why do you need painkillers after wisdom tooth extraction?

First of all, let’s talk about why you need painkillers after wisdom tooth extraction. When you get your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s a pretty invasive procedure. Your dentist will have to make an incision in your gums and remove the tooth. This can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort. Painkillers help to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation.

What are the best painkillers for wisdom tooth extraction?

There are a few different types of painkillers that your dentist might recommend. The most common ones are:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

These medications are all available over-the-counter and are relatively safe when taken as directed. Your dentist might also prescribe a stronger painkiller if you’re experiencing severe pain.

How long should I take painkillers after wisdom tooth extraction?

Now, let’s get to the main question: how long should you take painkillers after wisdom tooth extraction? The answer is: it depends. The length of time you’ll need to take painkillers will vary depending on a few factors:

• The severity of the pain: If you’re experiencing mild pain, you might only need to take painkillers for a day or two. If you’re experiencing severe pain, you might need to take painkillers for several days.
• Your body’s reaction to the surgery: Everyone’s body is different, and some people might experience more pain and swelling than others. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain and swelling, you might need to take painkillers for a longer period of time.
• The type of painkiller you’re taking: Different painkillers have different durations of action. For example, ibuprofen lasts for about 4-6 hours, while naproxen lasts for about 8-12 hours. You’ll need to take painkillers more frequently if you’re taking one with a shorter duration of action.

In general, you should take painkillers for as long as you’re experiencing pain. However, you shouldn’t take them for longer than a week without consulting your dentist. If you’re still experiencing pain after a week, you might need to be re-evaluated by your dentist.

Tips for managing pain after wisdom tooth extraction

While painkillers can be helpful, there are also some other things you can do to manage pain after wisdom tooth extraction:

• Apply ice: Applying ice to your cheeks can help to reduce swelling and numb the area, which can help to alleviate pain.
• Rest: It’s important to rest after wisdom tooth extraction to allow your body to heal properly. Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest.
• Eat soft foods: Eating soft foods can help to prevent irritation to the extraction site. Stick to foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first few days after surgery.
• Rinse with salt water: Rinsing with salt water can help to keep the area clean and promote healing.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about how long you should take painkillers after wisdom tooth extraction. Remember to take painkillers as directed, and don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if you’re experiencing severe pain or any other complications. With a little bit of rest and some TLC, you’ll be feeling better in no time!