Should I Still Have Pain 5 Days After Tooth Extraction? Warning Signs & Relief Tips for 2026

It’s completely normal to experience some discomfort and soreness after having a tooth pulled. Most patients find that pain gradually decreases over the first few days and becomes manageable with over-the-counter medications. But what if you’re still hurting five days later?

If you’re wondering whether persistent pain is normal, you’re not alone. While mild discomfort can linger for up to a week, significant pain five days after extraction may signal a complication that needs professional attention. Understanding the difference between normal healing and potential problems can help you know when to call your dentist.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during recovery, warning signs that something might be wrong, and practical steps you can take to feel better faster.

Is Pain Normal 5 Days After Tooth Extraction?

The short answer: some discomfort is normal, but severe pain is not. Here’s what you should expect during the typical healing timeline:

Normal Healing Timeline

• Days 1-2: Peak discomfort. Swelling, tenderness, and moderate pain are expected. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen should provide relief.
• Days 3-4: Pain should noticeably decrease. Swelling begins to subside, and you may feel well enough to return to light activities.
• Days 5-7: Most patients experience only mild soreness by this point. The extraction site should be healing steadily.
• Week 2+: Discomfort should be minimal to none. The socket continues to fill in with tissue.

If you’re experiencing throbbing, sharp, or worsening pain on day five, it’s time to contact your dentist. This could indicate complications like dry socket or infection that require treatment.

Warning Signs: When Pain After 5 Days Means Trouble

While some lingering tenderness is acceptable, certain symptoms suggest you need professional care. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice:

Severe or Worsening Pain

Pain that intensifies rather than improves after the first few days is a red flag. If painkillers aren’t working for your toothache, don’t wait—schedule an appointment.

Persistent or Increasing Swelling

Some swelling is normal for 2-3 days post-extraction. However, if swelling continues to grow or doesn’t improve by day five, you may have an infection developing.

Fever

A low-grade fever (under 100°F) can occur in the first 24 hours. A fever that persists beyond day two or spikes above 101°F signals infection and requires immediate attention.

Prolonged or Heavy Bleeding

Light oozing for the first day is normal, but bleeding that continues beyond 2 hours or resumes heavily after several days needs evaluation.

Bad Taste or Foul Odor

A persistent bad taste or unpleasant smell coming from the extraction site often indicates dry socket or infection—both treatable conditions that shouldn’t be ignored.

Visible Bone in the Socket

If you can see whitish bone tissue in the socket instead of a healing blood clot, you likely have dry socket, which requires professional treatment.

Dry Socket vs. Normal Pain: How to Tell the Difference

One of the most common complications after tooth extraction is dry socket (alveolar osteitis), which affects about 2-5% of patients. Understanding the difference between normal healing discomfort and dry socket can help you get treatment quickly.

Characteristics of Normal Post-Extraction Pain

• Dull, aching sensation that gradually improves each day
• Manageable with over-the-counter pain medication
• Peaks within 24-48 hours, then steadily decreases
• Localized to the extraction site
• Accompanied by mild swelling that resolves within a few days

Characteristics of Dry Socket Pain

• Intense, throbbing pain that typically starts 2-4 days after extraction
• Pain radiates to your ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side
• Significantly worse than the initial post-extraction discomfort
• Not adequately relieved by standard pain medications
• Often accompanied by bad breath or unpleasant taste
• Visible bone in the socket (the protective blood clot is missing)

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that should protect the healing socket becomes dislodged or dissolves prematurely. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves, causing severe pain. If you suspect dry socket, contact your dentist—they can pack the socket with medicated dressing to provide immediate relief and promote healing.

Common Causes of Prolonged Pain After Tooth Extraction

Several factors can contribute to pain that persists beyond the typical recovery period:

1. Dry Socket

As mentioned, this is the most common complication. Risk factors include smoking, using straws, vigorous rinsing, and poor oral hygiene.

2. Infection

Bacterial infection at the extraction site can cause increasing pain, swelling, fever, and pus discharge. This requires antibiotic treatment.

3. Retained Tooth Fragments

Sometimes small pieces of tooth or bone remain in the socket after extraction, causing ongoing irritation and discomfort.

4. Nerve Injury

Though rare, nerve damage during extraction can cause persistent pain, numbness, or tingling. This is more common with wisdom teeth removal.

5. Sinus Complications

Upper tooth extractions can sometimes create a communication between the mouth and sinus cavity, leading to pain and sinus symptoms.

6. Referred Pain from Adjacent Teeth

Sometimes surrounding teeth hurt after tooth extraction due to trauma during the procedure or pre-existing dental issues that become more noticeable.

How to Manage Pain 5 Days After Extraction

While you’re waiting to see your dentist, these strategies can help manage discomfort:

Pain Medication

Continue taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Many dentists recommend alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen together for tooth pain for maximum relief. Always follow dosing instructions and consult your dentist if pain medication isn’t helping.

Cold Compress

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes at a time. This reduces swelling and numbs the area.

Salt Water Rinses

After the first 24 hours, gentle rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) can keep the area clean and promote healing. Don’t rinse vigorously or use a straw.

Soft Diet

Stick to soft, cool foods that won’t irritate the extraction site. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that could disrupt healing.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Continue brushing your teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site for the first few days. Keeping your mouth clean prevents infection.

Rest and Elevation

Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous activity that could increase blood pressure and cause bleeding.

What Your Dentist Will Do

When you contact your dentist about persistent pain, they’ll likely schedule an examination to determine the cause. Depending on their findings, treatment may include:

• Dry Socket Treatment: Cleaning the socket and placing medicated dressing to relieve pain and promote healing
• Antibiotics: Prescription medication if infection is present
• Removal of Debris: Extracting any remaining tooth fragments or bone chips
• Stronger Pain Medication: Prescription-strength pain relievers if over-the-counter options aren’t sufficient
• Follow-up Care: Additional appointments to monitor healing and change dressings if needed

How Long Does Tooth Extraction Pain Typically Last?

For most patients, the pain timeline looks like this:

• Simple Extraction: 3-5 days of noticeable discomfort, with complete healing in 1-2 weeks
• Surgical Extraction: 5-7 days of significant discomfort, with full recovery taking 2-3 weeks
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: 7-10 days of discomfort, with complete healing taking 3-4 weeks

Understanding day-by-day tooth extraction healing stages can help you know what to expect and identify when something isn’t progressing normally.

Preventing Complications After Tooth Extraction

The best way to avoid prolonged pain is to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully:

Do:

• Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes immediately after extraction
• Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed
• Apply ice packs for the first 24 hours
• Eat soft, nutritious foods
• Keep your head elevated when resting
• Gently rinse with salt water after the first 24 hours
• Attend all follow-up appointments

Don’t:

• Smoke or use tobacco products for at least 72 hours (ideally longer)
• Use straws or create suction in your mouth
• Rinse vigorously or spit forcefully
• Consume alcohol for at least 24 hours
• Eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
• Touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
• Exercise strenuously for 24-48 hours

If you’re concerned about what you did wrong, our article on what to do if you accidentally rinsed after extraction can provide guidance.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most post-extraction complications can wait for a regular dental appointment, seek immediate emergency care if you experience:

• Uncontrollable bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe swelling that closes your throat or affects your airway
• High fever (above 103°F) with chills
• Chest pain or signs of allergic reaction

The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain

While some discomfort five days after tooth extraction can be normal, especially for complex extractions, significant or worsening pain is not something to ignore. Your body is telling you that something needs attention.

Most complications like dry socket and infection are easily treatable when caught early, but delaying care can lead to prolonged suffering and more serious problems. If you’re still experiencing considerable pain five days post-extraction, trust your instincts and contact your dentist.

Remember, proper healing takes time, and everyone’s recovery is slightly different. By following post-operative instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking help when needed, you’ll be back to normal before you know it. Your comfort and health are worth the call to your dental office—don’t hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t feel right.