Symptoms, explained
Pain after an extraction: what’s normal, and what needs us
Some discomfort can follow an extraction, but severe, worsening or persistent pain needs advice. Dry socket, infection and other causes can feel similar. Contact the treating dentist rather than trying to identify the cause from the appearance alone.
This page can’t diagnose you. Similar symptoms can have different causes. A dentist uses your history, an examination and any appropriate tests to explain what is happening and what care you need.
Toothache right now? Call reception to check the next available appointment.
Call nowGo to an emergency department NOW — don’t wait for us — if you have: swelling under the tongue or into the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, an eye swelling shut, or rapidly spreading facial swelling with fever. These are medical emergencies first and dental problems second.
During early healing
Healing and discomfort vary with the procedure and your health. Follow the aftercare instructions you were given and avoid disturbing the socket.
For pain relief, use only medicine suitable for you as directed by your dentist, pharmacist or the label. Mention other medicines, allergies, pregnancy and health conditions before choosing or combining products. Do not exceed the stated dose or duplicate ingredients.
What you should do
Follow your aftercare plan. Contact your dentist if pain is severe, worsening, not controlled by the advised medicine or causing concern.
Pain that becomes worse after initial improvement
Dry socket is one possible cause, but the symptoms do not establish the diagnosis. A dentist checks the socket and may clean it or use a dressing if appropriate. Treatment and review depend on what is found.
Antibiotics are not routinely used for dry socket alone; your dentist checks whether there are signs of infection or another reason for prescribing them.
What you should do
Contact reception for urgent dental assessment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact another available dentist. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if symptoms are worsening.
Swelling, fever, pus or a worsening bad taste
These symptoms may indicate infection or another complication and need urgent assessment. Treatment can include care of the socket and, where indicated, antibiotics. An X-ray is used when the examination suggests it is needed.
What you should do
Contact reception for urgent dental assessment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact another available dentist. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if symptoms are worsening.
A socket that does not seem to heal
Contact your dentist if healing seems delayed or symptoms persist. Tell them about your medicines and health conditions. The urgency depends on the symptoms: worsening swelling, fever, severe pain or ongoing heavy bleeding should not wait for a routine visit.
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
What it costs
We quote before we treat. Ask reception about consultation fees and your medical aid. Cover depends on your scheme, plan and available benefits; co-payments may apply. Confirm benefits and any required authorisation before treatment.
On a medical aid? Understand medical aid and treatment quotes — then check your plan’s benefits and any authorisation with your scheme. A benefit check is not a guarantee of payment.
Related dental guides
Sources for this guide
General patient information supports this guide. Your dentist assesses your own symptoms, treatment and aftercare; overseas service numbers and payment rules do not apply here.
Not sure which pattern is yours?
Tell reception what you’re feeling and ask for an appointment. Reception confirms availability and your date and time. After-hours messages are reviewed when the practice reopens; urgent symptoms should not wait for a reply.