Should My Tooth Extraction Site Still Ache?

Posted by AllSmiles

It’s almost three weeks since my lower right molar tooth extraction, and the tooth is still sensitive and achy when I eat warm or hot food. The extraction site looks healthy. Should it still ache with warm or hot foods? Thanks. Walt from IL

Walt,

It is common for an extraction site, particularly a wisdom tooth extraction, to experience discomfort after physical exertion. However, sensitivity to heat is a separate issue.

When a tooth extraction site becomes sensitive to cold or air, the adjacent often causes symptoms. In your case, the extraction likely exposed the root of a neighboring tooth, causing it to become sensitive. While mild sensitivity to cold is usually not a significant concern, sensitivity to heat can be a more serious issue. We recommend seeking a second opinion for a thorough evaluation.

When a tooth becomes inflamed, it may develop sensitivity to cold. If this inflammation persists, the tooth’s pulp tissue can begin to die. As the pulp tissue dies, it releases gases. When exposed to heat, these gases expand in the confined space of a tooth and can be painful.

 

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients who consider themselves dental cowards.