How long should pain last after a tooth extraction?

How long should you feel pain after wisdom tooth extraction?

• I ask because I've read so many places that you should feel no pain by the 3rd or 4th day. Well I'm nearing the end of my 4th day and I'm still feeling a bit of pain. Not bad enough that I need to be on the percocet I was prescribed, but there's still pain. I only had one tooth out-my bottom right wisdom tooth. And I'm just worried about the possibility of developing a dry socket. My oral surgeon is an hour away so I don't want to drive all the way there and make him look at it for nothing.

• Answer:

  Dry sockets hurt like an SOB. If the pain is fading and you're handling it o.k. with just some Tylenol, then you're doing good. Just keep things squeaky clean inside your mouth to prevent infection. Usually wisdom tooth pain is 5-10 days, but as long as it is not worsening or it's not getting any better after five days, then you need to be concerned.