Hi all!

I'm new here and just stumbled upon the site after researching about my wisdom tooth pain.

I am 29 years old, female and in good health generally. I don't smoke and only drink on very rare occasion (and not since my surgery). I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed 10 days ago. Both bottom teeth and one top tooth were almost completely erupted. The top left tooth was impacted.

The day of surgery went as expected. Some pretty severe pain right after surgery that dulled to a light throbbing after about 8 hours. The second day I had almost no pain, but I was very very tired.

I followed the doctor's orders to a T. I took medicine exactly on schedule (antibiotics and ibuprofen). The first few days I was given optional Oxy which I only took a few times, mostly at night because I had trouble sleeping through the pain. I have eaten no solid foods since the extraction (only yogurt, re-fried beans, soup, etc). I do a saltwater rinse between 4-6 times a day, making sure to do one after I eat. I do not smoke. I do not drink. I've only had water and iced tea since my surgery.

Since the 4th or 5th day, the pain in both the top extraction sites and one of the bottom sites has been gone almost completely. A little tenderness, but nothing that's to be expected.

However, my left bottom tooth is causing me several problems. It occasionally (maybe 2 or 3 times a day) begins throbbing and causing intense pain that radiates from my jawline all the way to my temple. The pain comes, stays for about 2 hours, and goes. It does not coincide with taking medicine, sleeping, eating or any other activity. It's totally random.

I went back to the dentist, two days ago, to make sure I didn't have dry socket. He confirms that I am healing, but slowly and I do not have dry socket.

My dentist says the pain is normal and I just need to be patient, keep doing my salt water rinses and taking ibuprofen when needed.

I am kind of at a loss. I've heard of others who were eating cheeseburgers and had no pain only 2 days after their surgery (though I can't imagine that's healthy or normal). I am exhausted because I've lost sleep and I've been in pain for days.

Should I seek a second opinion? Should I wait a few more days?

Thank you in advance for any help you can give! I really appreciate it!