Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that many people undergo for various reasons. However, experiencing pain in the surrounding teeth post-extraction can be alarming.
This blog aims to explain why this happens and provide tips for managing the discomfort effectively.
Reasons for Pain in Surrounding Teeth
1. Post-Operative Inflammation
Post-operative inflammation is a normal response after a tooth extraction. This inflammation can affect the surrounding teeth and tissues, causing discomfort.
Key Points
- Localised Swelling: Swelling in the extraction area can press on adjacent teeth.
- Irritated Nerves: Inflammation can irritate the nerves around the extraction site.
- Healing Process: The body’s natural healing process can cause temporary discomfort.
2. Changes in Bite and Alignment
Tooth extraction can alter the alignment of your remaining teeth, leading to changes in your bite and subsequent pain.
Factors
- Shifting Teeth: Adjacent teeth may shift into the gap left by the extracted tooth.
- Bite Adjustment: Your bite might change, causing pressure on certain teeth.
- Temporary Imbalance: The temporary imbalance in your bite can cause discomfort as your mouth adjusts.
3. Dry Socket
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
Symptoms
- Intense Pain: Severe pain radiating to surrounding teeth and areas.
- Empty Socket: Visible bone in the extraction site.
- Delayed Healing: Prolonged discomfort due to exposed nerves.
4. Referred Pain
Sometimes, pain from the extraction site can radiate to other mouth areas, including surrounding teeth.
Possible Causes
- Nerve Pathways: Pain signals may travel through shared nerve pathways.
- Pressure Sensation: The brain may interpret pressure in nearby areas as tooth pain.
- Common Post-Surgical Experience: Referred pain is a common post-surgery experience, usually temporary.
Key Takeaways
If you are experiencing pain in surrounding teeth after a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact South Melbourne Dental Smiles for expert guidance and care.
Our team of experienced professionals can help address any concerns regarding your post-extraction discomfort.
Visit us at South Melbourne VIC 3205 for personalised and top-quality dental care. Your oral health is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Dr David Nguyen, a dentist in South Melbourne who studied at the University of Queensland, has practiced in Berwick, Endeavour Hills, and Rosebud, providing high-quality general and cosmetic dentistry. With a special interest in implants, orthodontics, and wisdom teeth extractions, he is also an Invisalign and facial injectables provider. Dr David Nguyen speaks English and Vietnamese.
