It’s been so challenging to enjoy eating. An oral surgeon removed a lower right wisdom tooth two weeks ago. The extraction site looks okay, but the tooth is so sensitive to warm or hot food. How long will this last? The surgeon didn’t say I should expect the sensation for weeks. Thanks. Deon from MS

Deon,

It’s common for an extraction site, particularly after wisdom tooth removal, to experience discomfort after physical activity. However, sensitivity to heat is a different concern.

After an extraction, the adjacent tooth may become sensitive to cold or air due to root exposure. While mild cold sensitivity is usually not a significant issue, heat sensitivity can indicate a more serious problem within the tooth. It’s advisable to have this checked by a dental professional.

When a tooth becomes irritated, it may initially exhibit sensitivity to cold. If the irritation persists and the pulp tissue dies, it can lead to heat sensitivity. Dying pulp releases gases that expand when exposed to heat. These gases are confined within the tooth and cause pain.

Contact the oral surgeon or your dentist if the sensitivity persists.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read about the ways they strive to provide some of the best dental care in San Antonio.