What causes shooting pain at the site of tooth extraction?
Patient: Hi i had a root canal/stainless steel crown put on a molar tuesday using cement, i also had an extraction of a top tooth on the same side and 3 fillings....i waited until the numbness stopped after the dental work to start eating and i ate soft foods for 3 days, i have avoided chewing on that side of my mouth, ive been brushing my teeth softly, ive been gargling with warm salt water, i have been putting a icepack on the side of my face and i have been taking the ibuprofen prescribed to me....the swelling on the side of my face and soreness was improving..but just a little bit ago i was gargling like i have been doing and severe shooting pain started up for about a minute and a half then eased up until i gargled some more then it started up again for another minute so i stopped gargling, took ibuprofen and put the icepack on, now the pain has eased up again...so im wondering why the pain all of a sudden returned in the form of shooting pain while gargling...because i was doing better and following the instructions from my dentist, i know its only the beginning of the 4th day after the dental work im just afraid i might be having a set back when all i want to do is get back to eating normally...is the random shooting pain while gargling a good reason to worry that i might be having a set back or is my dental work phobia getting the best of me. Thank you in advance for taking time to read my concern and i very much appreciate any feedback. Doctor: Hi..Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..As per your complain sudden shooting pain after dental extraction during gargling that too after 4 days is not normal and can be due to nerve related pain..In case if the nerve is injured during the extraction procedure the a slight stimulation can lead to firing of impulses and pain..But it will gradually subside as the healing will proceed..But in case if there are recurring episodes of same problem consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated and investigations like x ray or MRI scan can help in diagnosis..As of now continue to take painkiller like Ibuprofen and follow up with your dentist when you complete 7 days to check for proper healing is taking place or not..Hope this helps..Regards.