One of the most common oral operations is wisdom teeth removal and along with it, a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal. After extracted teeth surgery, the patients often express that the throat is a bit inflamed after the procedure due to the operation itself, the surgical position, and local tissue swelling.
Why a Sore Throat Happens After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Sore throat after wisdom teeth removal is one of the common symptoms of the syndrome after surgery. The main reasons for the symptoms are as follows:
- Jaw and Throat Muscle Strain: The mouth gag that was used in the operation to keep the jaw open for a long time and as a result, the muscles of the throat can be temporarily strained and there might be a little discomfort besides it.
- Postoperative Swelling: In addition to tissue inflammation and swelling around the extraction sites, swelling can also be present in the throat, thus allowing the feeling of irritation and slight pain.
- Instrumental Contact: Sometimes the surgical instruments that are used to operate, they hit the back of the oral cavity or the throat, which is the source of temporary irritation.
- Medication Effects: Some painkillers and antibiotics may cause throat dryness or slight irritation as a side effect, thus leading to the worsening of soreness temporarily.
Each one of these factors can make sore throat after wisdom teeth removal but, most of them disappear within a few days when the swelling goes down, and the tissues are healing.
How to Safely Relieve a Sore Throat After Extraction
Sore throat after wisdom teeth removal can be alleviated in a safe and effective manner if the patient follows these steps:
- Warm Saltwater Gargles: Half a teaspoon of salt is mixed with a cup of warm water and gargle four to five times per day. The throat’s swelling reduces, recovery is fanned, and a soothing feeling is given to the throat.
- Hydration: Water in an amount that is not less than 1.5 liters daily will keep the tissues moisturized and will reduce the sore throat to a great extent. Acidic or carbonated drinks should be avoided during the first few days of healing.
- Soft Foods: The extraction site along with the throat will suffice with soft, cold, or room-temperature food such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups and thus will not irritate.
- Medicated Relief: In addition to pain relief, over-the-counter painkillers that are taken as per the advice of the dentist will go a long way in bringing down the inflammation safely and thus will be a great help in the reduction of pain.
- Elevated Resting Position: The swelling and the discomfort because the blood flow is reduced, lessened will be on rest with your head slightly elevated.
- Humidified Environment: A humidifier can make the atmosphere more humid which would be a great help to the throat especially during sleep in the case of a shortage of breath or when the throat is dry and irritated.
These methods of treatment when done repeatedly speed the healing process and avoid sore throat after wisdom teeth removal and make the patient feel less pain and a good oral recovery.
When to Contact Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
Mostly, sore throat after wisdom teeth removal is a throat pain that is not severe and a normal process in most cases. However, if the following symptoms are seen, it is necessary to consult a doctor:
- The pain is so severe that it cannot be relieved even with the help of the medicine that is prescribed
- Dysphagia, speech or breath difficulty
- Fever, pus, or an abnormal swelling that shows local infection
- Feeling uncomfortable that continues for more than a week without any sign of improvement
A prompt examination not only makes it possible to evade all the negative outcomes of the disease but also provides the support of a good recovery.
Tips for a Faster Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Postoperative care should be carried out with extreme scrupulousness as your dentist or oral surgeon has instructed you.
- Not smoking, not drinking alcohol, and not eating hot food for at least one week after the surgery are the necessary measures taken to avoid irritation and delay of the healing process.
- The cheeks should be iced for the first 24 hours in order to get rid of the swelling and pain that are the main reasons for the icing.
- Be very careful when cleaning your teeth, use the mouthwashes which are prescribed by the dentist and a soft toothbrush so that the newly healed tissues will not be damaged.
Common Questions About Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Mild to moderate throat soreness is, however, the usual after a surgical intervention symptom, which is tissue inflammation, surgical trauma, and muscle fatigue of the throat caused as a result of the operation.
Most patients see their condition getting better within 3-5 days, however, a small amount of pain may still be felt for a week.
Be sure to use any pain medications, even those that are prescribed by the dentist or are over the counter in accordance with the instructions given by your dentist in order to relieve the discomfort safely.
Soothing and less abrasive foods that include yogurt, smoothies, and the like, if prepared at room temperature, help the healing process of the affected area in the mouth by reducing the inflammation.
Seek professional help right away if you have severe pain, trouble swallowing, high temperature, pus, or swelling that has lasted for a long time.
References
- Renton, T. (2014). Complications of wisdom tooth removal: Pathophysiology and management. British Dental Journal, 217(11), 633–638.
- Pogrel, M. A. (2013). Surgical aspects of third molar extractions. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America, 25(2), 159–170.
- Blondeau, F., & Daniel, N. (2007). Extraction of impacted mandibular third molars: Postoperative complications and their risk factors. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 73(4), 325–329. https://jcda.ca/article/a117
