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Is It Normal to Get a Headache After Having a Tooth Extraction?

Is It Normal to Get a Headache After Having a Tooth Extraction?

Nobody likes getting headaches, and since they have so many causes, pinpointing the root cause of your headache can sometimes be difficult. While your headache could be due to stress or the fact that you aren’t drinking enough water, your headache could also be caused by dental problems. If you’ve noticed that you are experiencing tooth pain that coincides with a headache, that could be a sign that it is time to visit your dentist.

We’ve highlighted a few dental problems that could be contributing to your headaches, including wisdom teeth and tooth extractions, to help you get to the root of the problem.

Dentist speaking with client about dental headache

Headaches After Tooth Extractions

There is no question that tooth extractions can be painful, which is why you might find yourself with a headache shortly after having a tooth pulled. Any invasive procedure can be extremely traumatic for your body, even if you don’t have any complications. Depending on the amount of physical force required to remove the tooth, you may end up with small fractures or tears around the extraction site. In particularly severe cases, you may also experience a misalignment of the cranium, or cranial somatic dysfunction, which can result in both headaches and neck pain.

Dentist reviewing dental x-rays with patient

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?

If you find yourself suffering from headaches regularly, or even worse, migraines, it might be worth visiting your dentist to make sure that a dental problem isn’t the root cause. One of the most common culprits of dental-related headaches is wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25, and as they begin to move through your jawbone, they can cause discomfort that can appear as headaches. If your wisdom teeth become impacted, meaning there isn’t enough room in your mouth for them to naturally come in, this can also result in headaches and migraines. While having your wisdom teeth removed can be a hassle, ignoring them is far worse as it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to your other teeth.

Woman suffering with dental headache

How To Relieve Headache Pain

There are several different things you can do to help alleviate a headache, from painkillers to using cold compresses on your forehead. Unfortunately, if it is a headache related to dental problems such as your wisdom teeth, you will likely only experience temporary relief, which is why it is important to see your dentist and form a treatment plan. In the case of pain caused by wisdom teeth, your dentist will likely recommend that you have them removed. Not only will this help you get rid of unwanted headaches, but it will also help to protect your other teeth from being damaged if your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in naturally. If your headaches are related to clenching and grinding, Dr. Marino or Dr. Jung may recommend a bruxism appliance.

Regardless of the cause of your headaches, it is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and overall oral health are in good condition and won’t cause you problems in other areas of your body, headaches or otherwise.

 

 

Are you suffering from frequent headaches and think that a dental problem might be the cause? We can help! Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists.