Emergency Dentist for Post-Surgery Pain

Common Reasons for Pain From Dental Surgery 

Pain levels vary from patient to patient, and they will also vary depending on the extent of the surgery. According to the NHS, after dental surgery, normal pain can be caused by:

Swelling

Facial swelling and bruising are very common after dental surgery, generally appearing within the first 48 hours after surgery. The swelling can last for up to a week after surgery.

Dry Sockets

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a dry socket is when the blood clot from the surgical site comes out, or never fully forms after a tooth extraction. This happens in 2-5% of tooth extractions, and leaves some of the root and jawbone exposed, which can be very painful. 

Increased Sensitivity 

It’s common for surrounding teeth to feel more sensitive to certain foods and drinks after dental surgery. This is especially true after dental extractions, and is generally treated with over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste. 

How To Distinguish Between Normal Post-Surgical Pain and Abnormal Pain

When an oral surgeon has to cut into your gums to fix a dental problem, some inflammation and nerve irritation causing discomfort is to be expected. If you end up with dry sockets, this pain can be worse. 

Pain that lasts over a week, doesn’t go away with pain medication, and is accompanied by the following symptoms is cause for concern:

• Fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
• Pus at the surgical site

Questions To Discuss With Your Dentist About Post-Surgery Pain

Getting yourself fully prepared before dental surgery will significantly reduce stress and prevent complications. Here are examples of questions to ask your dentist at your dental surgery consultation: 

• What are my options for anesthesia, and which one do you recommend? 
• Will I need a ride home from this procedure? 
• What level of pain is normal after this procedure, and how long should it last?
• What pain management options are available, and which do you recommend?
• What is recommended for keeping the surgical site clean, and for how long do you recommend this protocol? 
• Are there any dietary restrictions I should know about before and after surgery? 
• What strategies do you recommend for avoiding dry sockets? 
• How much time should I take off work to have this procedure?
• Besides pain, what other symptoms should I be watching out for that could indicate a complication?

Signs You Need an Emergency Dentist for Post-Surgery Pain

Post-surgical infections can happen as soon as a few days after surgery, or up to a few weeks after surgery. This is why it’s so important to pay attention, and follow post-surgical care until you’re fully healed. The following are signs you could be experiencing a post-surgical infection, and require an emergency dentist: 

• Increased pain between four and six days after surgery
• Increased swelling four to six days after surgery
• Pain that’s becoming severe
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Pus at the surgical site

If you’re experiencing a post-surgical infection, it’s crucial to get to an emergency dentist ASAP to prevent further complications. Dental infections left untreated can get into the rest of your body, and become life-threatening. 

A dentist specifically trained in post-surgery pain can treat the infection, and get you out of pain. Check out Absolute Dental for any of your Las Vegas dental emergencies. 

Emergency Dental Care for Post-Surgical Pain at Absolute Dental

If you’re experiencing unexpected, or severe post-surgical pain, contact Absolute Dental immediately to discuss the problem. Whether it’s a simple case of dry socket, or an early sign of infection, the staff can assist you with the next steps to avoid complications, and get you out of pain. You can also schedule an appointment online at your earliest convenience, but you shouldn’t wait too long.

The dentists at Absolute Dental can assist with post-surgery pain in the following ways:

Pain Management

For post-surgical pain that requires an emergency dentist, your dentist will find the underlying cause of the pain, and advise you on the next steps. Be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations for taking any pain medication to avoid any potential side effects.

Post-surgical pain management varies based on the dentist’s recommendations, and the specific procedure and/or post-surgical complication. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling, an antibiotic, and/or simply opt for recommending over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. 

Infection Treatment 

If your emergency dentist has concluded that you have a post-surgical infection, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics. It’s very important to take antibiotics as directed to completely get rid of the infection, and prevent further complications. 

If you’re on oral contraception, be sure to discuss this with your dentist. Some antibiotics can counteract birth control pills. 

Management of Dry Sockets

According to the Cleveland Clinic, an emergency dentist will treat dry sockets by:

• Thoroughly cleaning the surgical site
• Placing medicated gauze in the surgical site to relieve pain 
• Give you tips on relieving pain with over-the-counter pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and ice
• May prescribe an antibiotic if an infection is a concern

Addressing Other Complications 

Other complications, such as nerve damage, tooth fragments getting left behind, or sinus perforation, are less likely to occur but possible. At Absolute Dental, any dental surgery complication will be appropriately diagnosed and treated with the utmost care. 

How To Prevent Complications After Dental Surgery

You can decrease your risk of infections and other complications after dental surgery by:

Following Post-Operative Instructions Carefully

Your dentist will provide you with instructions on post-surgical care specific to your case. These are the guidelines you should follow above all other recommendations. 

Applying Ice Packs To Reduce Swelling

Holding an ice pack to your jaw can reduce swelling and assist with pain.

Getting Plenty of Rest 

Exercising too soon after surgery can cause bleeding, and increase your chance of dry sockets. It is recommended that you avoid any strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours after surgery.

Keeping the Surgical Site Clean 

Maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits, and keeping the surgical site clean and free from food debris is important for avoiding infection. This is usually done by: 

• Rinsing the incision with water after eating
• Brushing and flossing while avoiding the incision — be very gentle when brushing near the surgical site
• You may also be prescribed antibiotic mouthwash (use as directed) 

Taking Medications as Directed 

It’s vital to take all prescribed medication(s) as directed to avoid side effects, drug interactions, or dangerous incidents. 

Modifying Your Diet While You Heal

Cut out food that is excessively hot, hard, or crunchy until you’re fully healed. Stick to a soft diet after surgery to prevent further injury to the surgical site. Enjoy foods, such as:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce 
• Pasta
• Rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Eggs
• Oatmeal

Seeing a dentist for post-surgery pain can save you from a lot of discomfort and further complications. If you’re experiencing more post-surgical pain than expected, be sure to reach out to Absolute Dental to address your concerns.

Have you been looking for a comprehensive dentist in Las Vegas? Check out Absolute Dental today.

Sources:

Dental Surgery and Recovery. (2025).

Dry Socket. (2023). 

Oral Surgery. (2024).