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Recovering from Bruising and Pain After a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are very common procedures, but they often leave patients dealing with significant side effects like bruised, sore, or swollen gums. This discomfort occurs due to the trauma inflicted on the soft tissue during the extraction process. Typically, the bruising and inflammation subside within a few weeks as the area heals.

However, in some cases, patients may continue to experience gum soreness, pain, or swelling long after the extraction site has healed. This prolonged discomfort is usually caused by an infection, dry socket formation, or damage to the nerves in the area.

This article will cover the common causes of bruised, painful, or swollen gums after a tooth extraction. It will also provide tips on easing your discomfort and identifying potential complications that require medical treatment.

Causes of Gum Pain After an Extraction

There are several reasons you may still have gum soreness, pain, or swelling even weeks after a tooth extraction:

Infection

An infection is one of the most common causes of ongoing gum issues after an extraction. Bacteria can enter the open tooth socket and spread through the gum tissue, causing increased swelling, redness, throbbing pain, and pus discharge.

Dry Socket

Dry socket, also called alveolar osteitis, occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site fails to form properly or becomes dislodged too soon. This exposes the bone and nerves underneath, leading to intense throbbing pain that can radiate through your jaw and up to your ear.

Nerve Damage

During the extraction process, nerves in the area can become damaged or severed entirely. This typically causes numbness but it can also result in chronic nerve pain called neuropathic pain, even after the site has healed.

Tissue Injury

Excessive tissue retraction and manipulation during extraction can damage the gum ligaments and other soft tissues. This leads to persistent soreness and sensitivity long after extraction.

Bone Fragmentation

Sometimes small fragments of bone can break off during the extraction. If these become lodged in the gum tissue, they can cause inflammation, swelling, and a dull, throbbing pain.

Signs of Potential Complications

In some cases, prolonged gum discomfort after an extraction might indicate a serious problem that requires urgent dental treatment. See your dentist promptly if you notice any of the following:

• Heavy bleeding that won't stop
• Severe throbbing or shooting pain
• Fever and chills
• Swelling that spreads to face or neck
• Pus discharge from the site
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Loose stitches or opening at extraction site

Relieving Gum Pain at Home

If the pain is mild to moderate, try these tips for relief at home:

Cold Compresses

Applying cold compresses can alleviate pain and swelling. Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply to jaw for 10-15 minutes several times a day.

Salt Water Rinses

Gently rinsing with warm salt water 2-3 times daily removes debris and soothes inflammation. Dissolve 1⁄2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) help ease gum discomfort after extractions. Use as directed.

Topical Anesthetics

Products like Orajel applied directly to the sore gum temporarily numb pain

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.