Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure that is often necessary for cosmetic as well as health reasons. It is a procedure that many patients avoid for years, which tends to complicate the surgery more over time; therefore, if your wisdom teeth are coming in, it’s important to consult with your dentist sooner rather than later to ensure permanent damage does not result.
Just like any other surgery, there are benefits as well as risks and complications to look out for. With proper care, complications are usually avoidable. One possible effect of wisdom teeth removal that Simi Valley patients have stated affects them is a sore throat after surgery. In some cases, a sore throat is typical and nothing to be concerned about initially; however, in this article, we’ll highlight that it’s important to monitor your after-surgery symptoms to avoid complications and how you can do so.
Why Your Throat May Hurt After Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are a few reasons why one’s throat might hurt after wisdom teeth removal, and usually it’s not a cause for concern; however, there are instances where a sore throat could indicate that you need to be seen by your dentist and/or doctor right away.
A sore throat after wisdom teeth removal surgery is common and usually is related to the use of anesthetics during surgery. Additionally, sore jaw muscles are typical after wisdom teeth removal, which can translate into mild throat pain or soreness. It’s important to monitor throat pain after wisdom teeth removal to avoid infection or other issues that could compromise your healing.
How to Help Yourself Heal Properly After Surgery
A sore throat is common after wisdom teeth removal, but it can also be an indication of healing complications that should be monitored by your doctor. Taking care of yourself after any surgical procedure is critical, as it can help you avoid expensive doctor’s bills, health issues, and other complications associated with the surgery. Here are some tips to help you care for yourself after wisdom teeth removal surgery and avoid a sore throat:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of clear fluids
- Eat soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing or use of jaw muscles
- Avoid talking too much
- Avoid smoking or drinking fluids out of straws
- Keep incision area clean
- Call your doctor or dentist if a sore throat persists for longer than 2 days
- Monitor your temperature to remain aware of developing infections
It’s important to take time to heal after surgery, which will take several weeks if healing goes normally. It is also best to stay in contact with your oral surgeon or dentist to ensure that your healing is going according to plan.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While a sore throat after surgery is common for up to a few days, if a sore throat persists then it’s important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away. Here are some other instances that indicate you should contact your dentist:
- If your sore throat persists for more than 2 or 3 days
- If your temperature rises past the normal level
- If your conditions worsen
- If you notice any blood or fluid coming from the incision area more than a day after surgery
- If pain medications are not reducing symptoms
Remaining in touch with your doctor after surgery is crucial to ensure your healing is going according to plan; do not wait to contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you notice any concerning symptoms during your recovery process.
How We Can Help You
Here at the Dental Group of Simi Valley, we stay 
in close contact with our patients after surgery to ensure that their healing process is quick and effective, without complications. Wisdom teeth removal is common, but as a surgical procedure it comes with risks as well as benefits. If you’re concerned about symptoms related to a sore throat after surgery, it’s important to contact our office right away. If you have any other questions related to wisdom teeth removal surgery and/or symptoms afterward, please contact one of our helpful professionals today. As a family-owned business here since 1963, the health and well-being of Simi Valley residents is our first priority.
