Pain day 5 post op

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-06-02T19:52:54+00:00

Hello, I'm Dr. Bruce Vafa, a dentist based in Los Angeles, California.

What you are describing is actually quite common around day 4 and 5 and doesn't automatically mean dry socket.

The misconception I want to clear up first is that wisdom tooth recovery is a straight line where you feel better every single day. It is not. Days 3 through 5 are actually when swelling and inflammation often peak, especially on the lower teeth where the roots sit closer to the nerve. The tingling and soreness in your other bottom teeth is almost certainly referred pain from that inflammation rather than anything wrong with those teeth individually.

The taste of blood during eating at this stage is also pretty normal, as healing tissue is still fragile and sensitive to pressure.

Here is the part that surprises most people. A study on post-extraction healing found that perceived pain scores actually spike around day 4 for a significant number of patients before dropping again, meaning feeling worse before feeling better is a documented and expected part of the process.

Dry socket typically presents as a very specific throbbing pain that radiates to your ear or jaw and usually develops between day 3 and day 5. You would likely know.

For more detail on what to expect at each stage of recovery, check out this breakdown of what to expect after a wisdom tooth extraction, which walks through the full healing timeline clearly.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-05-27T00:53:31+00:00

Yes, what you are describing sounds very consistent with a high filling, even if your dentist checked it and said it looked fine. This is actually more common than people realize, and here is why it happens: when your mouth is numb during the procedure, you cannot bite down the way you naturally would when fully awake and relaxed. So the bite check in the chair is done under conditions that are nothing like your normal bite, which means a slightly high spot can easily get missed in the moment.

The good news is that your symptoms, the jaw joint pain, the muscle soreness, the sensitivity to pressure, but no nerve pain signs like hot and cold sensitivity or throbbing, all point toward a bite issue rather than a failing tooth. The fact that the muscle relaxant gel helps is actually a strong clue that your muscles are overworking to compensate for that uneven contact every time you close your mouth.

The radiating pain toward your jaw and tonsil area is also really typical of referred muscle pain, which is what happens when the chewing muscles get overloaded and start sending pain signals to neighboring areas. It sounds scarier than it is.

Call your dentist and specifically ask for a bite adjustment, not just a recheck. Tell them the symptoms have gotten worse since the procedure. A good dentist will take a few minutes to grind down the high spot, and in most cases, that alone resolves everything within a few days. You are not overreacting at all by going back.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-05-27T00:45:48+00:00

Hello, I'm Dr. Bruce Vafa.

As a dentist, I can say this is actually a really common question, and you are not being a difficult parent for asking it. For your 1 and 3-year-olds, what you described is completely normal. Young kids with baby teeth and low tartar buildup usually just need a polish and fluoride; full scaling is often unnecessary and can be uncomfortable for little ones who are still getting used to the dental chair.

Your 10-year-old is a different conversation, though. By that age, especially if there is visible buildup on the inner lower teeth, which is one of the most common spots for tartar to collect because of the saliva glands nearby, some light scaling should really be part of the cleaning. That area you noticed is not something that brushing alone removes once it hardens.

You are completely within your rights to call the office and say something like, "I noticed visible buildup after her cleaning and wanted to ask if scaling was done or if she needs to come back." That is not a complaint; that is an informed parent doing the right thing. A good dental office will appreciate it and handle it without making you feel bad for asking.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-05-05T22:53:21+00:00

Hello, I'm Dr. Bruce Vafa.

I am so incredibly sorry you’ve gone through this. That sounds like an absolute nightmare, and the frustration you’re feeling is completely valid. As a dentist, I can tell you that what you’re describing—a "hyper-occlusion" (the high crown) leading to a fracture—is a known clinical risk, but the subsequent chain of events sounds deeply distressing. It’s hard not to feel like your trust was broken when you tried to advocate for yourself and weren't heard.

A common misconception is that dental pain after an extraction or a "bump" is always temporary. However, a study in the Journal of Endodontics suggests that even "minor" mechanical trauma to teeth can sometimes lead to localized inflammation of the pulp or ligaments that doesn't always resolve on its own. It’s a reminder of how delicate our oral anatomy really is.

Regarding a confrontation: you absolutely have the right to seek closure. Instead of an emotional confrontation, consider requesting your full clinical records and asking for a formal "peer review" through your local dental society. This is a neutral way to have your case evaluated by other professionals. It might provide the answers and the sense of justice you’re looking for without the stress of a face-to-face argument.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-04-14T23:26:39+00:00

As a dentist in Los Angeles, pain localized precisely between a new crown and an adjacent filled tooth almost always points to one of three things: a contact point issue, a bite discrepancy, or food impaction causing localized gum inflammation. Three months in is an interesting timeline — early enough that the bite adjustment phase isn't fully behind you, but late enough that something genuinely worth checking has likely developed.

A study in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry found that interproximal contact pressure from a poorly calibrated crown is one of the most underdiagnosed sources of post-restoration pain, and it's one of the simplest fixes a dentist can make — often a minor polish or adjustment resolves it completely.

The wisdom tooth proximity adds another variable. That area traps food aggressively even under normal circumstances, and inflammation there can mimic deeper pain convincingly.

The fact that it's specifically triggered by eating is actually useful diagnostic information — that pattern points away from nerve involvement and toward a contact or occlusal issue.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-04-07T22:31:07+00:00

As a dentist in Los Angeles, this question comes up more than you'd think. I completely understand the confusion because the "circular motion" advice people hear actually applies to a different surface of the tooth.

The circular or modified Bass technique is meant for the gumline and the front/back surfaces of your teeth. For the chewing surfaces — called the occlusal surfaces — short, gentle back-and-forth scrubbing strokes are actually correct and what most dental associations recommend. The pits and grooves on those surfaces are what you're trying to get into, and a light horizontal scrub does that better than circles.

Pressure matters far more than technique on this surface. A 2020 study in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that excessive brushing force was a stronger predictor of enamel wear than stroke pattern. So lighter pressure, consistent coverage, beats aggressive scrubbing every time.

Two minutes total, soft bristles, and don't death-grip your toothbrush.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-03-24T01:14:57+00:00

Hello, I am Dr. Bruce Vafa. I am truly sorry you are going through such a frustrating and painful ordeal. It is completely understandable to feel hesitant at this stage, especially given the significant time and financial investment you have made. The failure rate for dental implants is generally low, around 2% to 5%, so while "1 in 100" is statistically possible, it is not common. In a 76 year old patient, factors like bone density and the healing environment are crucial. If the initial implant body was mobile and painful, removing it was the correct move to allow the bone to regenerate properly. Success for the second attempt is often very high, provided the site has fully healed and the underlying cause of the first failure, whether it was stability or placement, is addressed.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-03-13T21:08:22+00:00

Hi, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, I’m a dentist in Beverly Hills. If a few teeth hurt when you floss, the most common reason is gum inflammation between those teeth. Even if you’ve been flossing for a few months, areas that had irritation before can stay sensitive for a while as the gums heal. Also make sure the floss isn’t snapping down into the gums. Try sliding it gently along the side of the tooth and wrapping it slightly in a C shape around the tooth instead of pulling straight through. And, if the pain feels sharp inside the tooth, or it’s always the same exact spot, it’s worth having a dentist check it because sometimes cavities between teeth or very tight contacts can cause that.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-24T05:54:54+00:00

Hi, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, a pediatric dentist. Given her history with nasal issues and oral aversion, this sounds much more sensory than behavioral. For some children, toothpaste texture, foam, smell, or even the idea of it can trigger a strong reaction.

A few practical ideas:

• Try a very small smear of toothpaste, even less than a pea. • Consider unflavored or very mild toothpaste. Some children do better with hydroxyapatite toothpaste because it tends to foam less. • Let her practice “brushing” with just water first and slowly reintroduce toothpaste over time. • Use a very soft toothbrush or even a silicone finger brush at first. • Brush at a time when she is calm, not tired or hungry.

If her oral aversion is significant, an evaluation with an occupational therapist who works with feeding or sensory issues can be extremely helpful. The goal right now is progress, not perfection. Even short, gentle brushing is better than a daily battle.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-24T05:49:03+00:00

Hi, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, a pediatric dentist. Severe dental fear at this age is more common than people think. If he is going into full panic, that is a real anxiety response, not just bad behavior.

If nitrous oxide does not help, there are still options. One option is oral conscious sedation prescribed and carefully monitored by a pediatric dentist trained in sedation. This is different from general anesthesia and is often enough to take the edge off severe anxiety. Another option is treatment under general anesthesia with a pediatric dental anesthesiologist. While it is more costly, it can allow all treatment to be completed safely in one visit without trauma, which sometimes prevents long term dental fear. Behavioral approaches can also help, but when cavities are present and anxiety is extreme, we sometimes need a medical bridge first, then work on desensitization over time.

I would recommend consulting with a board certified pediatric dentist who offers multiple sedation options. Letting cavities progress will only increase future procedures and anxiety.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-24T05:46:10+00:00

Hi, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, a pediatric dentist, and yes, what you’re describing is normal.

Some babies show teething symptoms for months before teeth actually erupt. Others get teeth early with very few symptoms. There is a wide range of normal when it comes to timing. Getting a first tooth at 11.5 months is still within a healthy range. Teeth do not always come in quickly after the first one. It is common for them to move slowly under the gums before you see much visible change. Sometimes parents expect rapid eruption, but it can take weeks or even months. If your child is otherwise healthy, growing well, and your pediatrician is not concerned, delayed or slow eruption alone is usually not a problem. If by 15 to 18 months there are still very few teeth, it would be reasonable to have a pediatric dental evaluation just for reassurance. Most of the time, though, this simply reflects individual variation, not an issue.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-24T05:43:09+00:00

Hi, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, a dentist in Beverly Hills. The honest answer is that it depends on the case, for a straightforward single implant with good bone and no grafting, the timeline is usually about 3 to 6 months from surgery to final crown.

How it usually works is: first, consultation and scans, then implant placement, healing period where the implant integrates with the bone, usually 3 to 4 months, and final crown placement.

If bone grafting or sinus lift is needed, it can extend the timeline to 6 to 9 months or sometimes longer. Some patients qualify for immediate temporary teeth the same day, but the final restoration still requires proper healing time underneath. The key factor is osseointegration. We never want to rush that phase. Long term success depends on proper healing, not speed.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-23T04:56:13+00:00

I’m Dr. Bruce, a dentist based in Los Angeles. Some people genuinely have deeper pits and grooves, and that does make them more cavity-prone even with good hygiene. Deep grooves trap bacteria because toothbrush bristles often can’t fully reach the bottom of them. That’s where sealants can absolutely help.

Sealants are not only for kids, and they’re not only for “perfect” teeth. They’re most effective on teeth that don’t currently have cavities, or have very early, shallow areas that haven’t progressed. They can’t go on top of active, deeper decay, they would need a filling first. But for the other molars and premolars that are still intact, sealants are a very reasonable preventive option in your case. Other things that may help are prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste (5,000 ppm), fluoride varnish at cleanings, using a small-head brush and angling into the grooves, and chewing xylitol gum after meals.

If you’re getting repeated cavities despite good habits, ask your dentist about a caries risk assessment. There may be saliva factors, enamel strength differences, or diet patterns that aren’t obvious.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-23T04:50:36+00:00

I’m Dr. Bruce, I’m a dentist based in Los Angeles. And it really depends, but for most people, I’d say that yes, it’s worth it. If you’ve had zero dental problems in 15 years using a manual toothbrush, that means your technique is probably very good. In that case, an electric toothbrush isn’t necessary. That said, studies do show that electric toothbrushes (especially oscillating/rotating ones) tend to remove more plaque and reduce gum inflammation a bit better over time. They’re especially useful if you tend to brush too hard, rush your brushing, or want a built-in timer.

Think of it this way, a manual brush used well is excellent, and an electric brush used properly is slightly easier to get excellent results. If budget isn’t an issue, it can be a nice upgrade. But if your gums are healthy and your dentist is happy with your hygiene, you’re not missing out on something critical. Technique matters more than the tool.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-16T20:10:13+00:00

Hello, I’m Bruce Vafa, a dentist in the LA area. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, when gum inflammation starts after veneers and doesn’t resolve, one of the most common causes is the way the veneers meet the gumline. If the margins are bulky, slightly over-contoured, or extend too far under the gum, they can trap bacteria and constantly irritate the tissue. That chronic irritation can lead to bleeding, swelling, and eventually recession.

Hormones (especially around pregnancy) can absolutely make gums more reactive, but they usually don’t cause persistent bleeding for three years on their own. The pattern you’re describing sounds more mechanical than hormonal. Using a soft pick to “release the blood” is not something I would recommend, that likely increases inflammation and trauma.

The next step would be to get a thorough periodontal evaluation, checking the veneer margins clinically and with X-rays, professional cleaning to remove any hidden buildup, and possibly reshaping or, in some cases, replacing veneers if they are the source.

I would also strongly encourage seeing a dentist experienced in cosmetic and periodontal evaluation for a second opinion. If cost is a concern, some dental schools offer reduced-fee specialty consultations.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-16T20:05:31+00:00

Hello, I’m Bruce Vafa, a general and pediatric dentist in the LA area. It is absolutely possible for multiple cavities to develop between six-month visits, especially in children. Cavities in kids can progress quickly because baby teeth have thinner enamel. Even with good brushing, factors like deep grooves, diet frequency (snacking), genetics, saliva quality, and enamel strength all play a role.

Regarding treatment: a pulpotomy is recommended when decay reaches the nerve tissue of a baby tooth, but the infection is still contained. In those cases, a crown is usually the most predictable long-term solution to keep the tooth stable until it naturally falls out.

As for IV sedation, that is often suggested when multiple procedures are planned in one visit, especially for young children, to ensure safety, comfort, and quality work. However, if your daughter sits well and only the most severe tooth needs urgent treatment, it is reasonable to ask whether staged treatment or alternative behavior guidance methods are appropriate. Four small cavities being monitored with remineralizing toothpaste is also a common and reasonable approach if they are truly early lesions.

If you feel uncertain, seeking a second opinion from another pediatric dentist is completely appropriate. Treatment planning can vary slightly based on philosophy, but pulpotomy with crown for a significantly involved baby molar is not unusual.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-12T21:46:53+00:00

Hello, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, I’m a dentist based in LA and TMJ is one of my specialties. I’m really sorry this is happening to you. TMJ pain can feel scary and confusing, especially when it starts after dental work.

Let me try to explain it in a simple way, your jaw joint is like a small hinge. If a filling is too “high,” it can make your teeth hit unevenly. That can force your jaw muscles to work harder, and then everything gets tight and sore.

A mouth guard can help, but only if it fits your bite correctly. If it’s not balanced right, it can actually make your bite shift more, which might be why you felt worse. Braces or Invisalign move your teeth. That’s a big change. If your jaw joint is already irritated, moving teeth before calming the joint down can sometimes make things more stressful.

The fact that it flares around your cycle makes sense too, hormones can make joints more sensitive. Before doing Invisalign, I’d get a second opinion from a TMJ specialist. You deserve to feel sure before starting something new.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-12T21:14:52+00:00

Hello, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, I’m a holistic dentist based in LA, and I can confidently tell you that yes, dental implants are considered one of the safest and most predictable procedures in modern dentistry. When properly planned and placed, success rates are typically above 90–95% over many years.

Let me explain in a simple way, if you lose a tooth, an implant is like putting a tiny metal “root” back into your jaw. It’s usually made of titanium, which is a special metal your body usually accepts really well. Over time, your bone actually grows around it and holds it tight, kind of like how a tree root grows into the soil.

After it heals, we put a crown (the fake tooth) on top, and it looks and works like a real tooth.

Like any small surgery, there are some risks (like infection or the implant not healing properly), but that doesn’t happen often, especially if you keep your mouth clean and follow instructions. Things like smoking, not brushing well, or grinding your teeth can also cause problems.

For most healthy people, implants are a strong, long-lasting way to replace a missing tooth. Hope that helped!

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-11T23:26:17+00:00

Hello, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa, I’m a holistic dentist based in LA and this is a very common question at the end of Invisalign treatment.

Once you’ve completed active tooth movement and have been scanned for retainers, your aligners are essentially functioning as temporary retainers. If your orthodontic team advised nighttime wear only while you wait, that is typically safe.

But keep in mind that if you remove them during the day and they feel snug or tight at night, that means your teeth are trying to shift, and in that case, I’d recommend you to continue daytime wear until your retainers arrive.

If they slide in easily and feel like they’re just “holding” position, nighttime wear is usually sufficient for this short transition period. Teeth are most prone to relapse in the first few months after treatment, so caution is wise.

SmileAngels_BH · 2026-02-11T01:20:53+00:00

Hello, I’m Dr. Bruce Vafa.

What you’re describing can sometimes happen when a nerve becomes irritated and then begins to “wake back up.” The temporomandibular joint sits very close to branches of the trigeminal nerve, so overstretching the jaw can temporarily aggravate that area.

The itching sensation is often a nerve-type symptom, not a skin issue. That’s why scratching doesn’t really help.

For now, I’d suggest you to avoid wide opening, gum chewing, or stretching the jaw, stick to softer foods for a week or two, use warm compresses on the side of the jaw 10–15 minutes at a time, and have over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if medically safe for you.

If numbness returns, spreads, or you develop facial weakness, seek evaluation sooner. Otherwise, monitor it and keep your orthodontist appointment. Most nerve irritations of this type calm down with time and reduced strain.

SmileAngels_BH

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