Why Does My Jaw Hurt Long After Tooth Extraction?

Having a tooth pulled can bring relief from pain or infection—but what if your jaw starts hurting days or even weeks later? Jaw pain that lingers after a tooth extraction can be confusing and uncomfortable.

While some soreness is expected, pain that sticks around may point to other underlying issues. Read why your jaw may hurt long after a tooth extraction and what you can do to feel better.

What’s Normal After a Tooth Extraction?

After a tooth is removed, it’s normal to experience:

• Swelling in the area.
• Soreness or aching around the jaw.
• Mild bleeding for a few hours.
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully.

Most of these symptoms improve within 7–10 days. A dentist likely gave you aftercare instructions to speed up healing. But if jaw pain continues or worsens, it may be a sign something more is going on.

Possible Causes of Jaw Pain Weeks After Extraction

Let’s explore some of the most common reasons your jaw still hurts:

1. Dry Socket

This happens when the blood clot that forms after extraction is lost too early. Without it, the bone and nerves underneath are exposed—causing sharp, radiating pain that may extend to your jaw and ear.

2. Infection

Bacteria can enter the socket and lead to swelling, pressure, and discomfort. You may also notice a bad taste or smell from the area, or even a fever.

3. Muscle or Joint Strain

Holding your mouth open during the procedure—especially for a long time—can stress the jaw muscles and joints (known as the temporomandibular joint or TMJ). This can lead to soreness or stiffness for days after.

4. Nerve Irritation

If the tooth extraction in San Jose was near a nerve (common with wisdom teeth), mild nerve irritation can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the jaw area.

5. Bone Healing and Reshaping

After the tooth is removed, the bone begins to heal and reshape. During this time, you may feel an ache or dull pressure as your body adjusts.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, up to 5% of patients experience dry socket after a tooth extraction—one of the most common causes of lingering jaw pain.

When Should You Worry?

Pain that lingers longer than two weeks or gets worse instead of better should be checked by a dentist. Call him/her if you notice:

• Pain that radiates to the ear or neck.
• Swelling that increases after a few days.
• Fever or chills.
• Pus or discharge near the socket.
• Trouble opening your mouth fully.

Getting help early can prevent complications and make healing smoother.

What You Can Do To Relieve Jaw Pain

If your jaw still aches days after your tooth extraction, here are some simple ways to find relief:

• Use warm compresses on the sore area to relax muscles.
• Eat soft foods and avoid chewy or crunchy snacks.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
• Do gentle jaw exercises if approved by a dentist.
• Rinse with warm saltwater to keep the area clean.

Always follow your dentist’s instructions, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about your healing.

Preventing Jaw Pain After Future Extractions

If you need another extraction in the future, a few smart steps can reduce your risk of lingering pain:

• Follow all aftercare instructions carefully.
• Avoid using straws or spitting forcefully in the first 24 hours.
• Rest and avoid heavy activity after your procedure.
• Stay hydrated and eat soft, nutritious foods.
• Let the dentist know if you’ve had a dry socket before.

Don’t Ignore Lingering Pain

It’s normal to have some soreness after a tooth extraction, but pain that lingers for weeks deserves attention. Whether it’s a dry socket, jaw strain, or infection, dentists can help identify the cause and offer treatment that eases discomfort.

The good news? Most issues can be managed easily with proper care and attention. So if your jaw still hurts long after your extraction, don’t wait—check in with our dentist and get back on track to full healing.