Hi Ryanc,

It is normal to have pain or tenderness for several days or weeks after the removal of wisdom teeth. Waking up with sharp pain in your jaw could indicate many things. You could have had your jaw angled in an odd position while sleeping and the muscle could have went into spasm. That would explain why the pain went away so quickly.

Applying warm towel compresses is a good idea. It would be ideal if those compresses were moist heat as that helps the blood to circulate rather than pool in one area. Continue with the warm salt water rinses until both wounds close.

The yellow discoloration may be normal or it may be some bacteria that is oozing from the site which the salt water will help take care of. If the yellow increases and/or you develop swelling, lingering pain, fever, any symptoms that could indicate an infection brewing, then see the oral surgeon right away. Otherwise continue with the warm (moist) compresses and salt water rinses and see him at your post op appointment in a week or two. It is also a good idea to drink water throughout the day as this helps remove the toxins and bacteria from your body and helps with the healing.

I hope this information was helpful. Please check back with us and let us know how you are doing.
Bryanna