How To Tell If Wisdom Tooth Hole Is Infected

Disease Decay And More

The process can become more complicated when wisdom teeth have only partially come in, allowing bacteria to collect under the gum line so that an infection develops. This type of infection is what usually causes more serious symptoms.

The flap covering the tooth can cause pain and become swollen, leading to a condition called pericoronitis.

Gum disease is also a risk with impacted wisdom teeth, and if the condition is properly treated, the loss of bone and other teeth can occur. Like your other teeth, an impacted wisdom tooth can also become decayed or form decay on the back of the second molar, possibly exposing the nerves.

An impacted wisdom tooth may also develop a cyst or tumor, causing further symptoms and potentially serious complications, such as the loss of tooth or bone.

How Likely Is Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Dry socket condition, in general, is less commonthan you may think as it occurs in roughly 2% to 5% of extractions. When itcomes to impacted wisdom teeth however the occurrence is closer to 20%. Sinceremoving a wisdom tooth is typically more invasive than any other extraction,the likelihood of developing dry socket is higher. By following your dentistsor oral surgeons post-operative instructions you will be able to lower yourchances of developing dry socket.

Possible Complications Of Wisdom Teeth

New teeth breaking through the surface of the gums can hurt, whether youre a teething baby or an 18-year-old whose wisdom teeth are pushing through. Just the temporary injury to gum tissue is enough to cause swelling and pain.

The primary reason wisdom teeth pose any risk at all is simply that the adult mouth doesnt usually have room for four new molars.

As a result, impacted wisdom teeth can come in at abnormal angles and push against existing teeth. This can happen well before a wisdom tooth reaches the gum line.

An impacted wisdom tooth pushing against the root of the adjacent molar will cause jaw pain and potentially cause a harmful change to the alignment of your teeth. An impacted tooth usually requires extraction.

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How Should I Treat A Tooth Extraction Infection

After a patient has a tooth extracted in our dental office, we may prescribe antibiotics, antiseptic mouthwash and recommend other precautions to lower the chance of infection. If your tooth should still become infected, contact our dental office for further directions. A tooth infection does not go away on its own and requires additional care. Some additional steps we may recommend include:

• We may direct you to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater on a regular basis to lower your discomfort level.
• Cold compresses may help to alleviate any increased pain or swelling.
• Our dentist will determine if additional antibiotics or pain management measures are appropriate.
• Continue to carefully monitor your food and liquid intake so as not to further aggravate the infection.
• In some cases, we might recommend draining the infection. This is usually based on a visual inspection of your mouth and a full assessment of your symptoms. Draining may help to increase the rate at which any swelling and pain subside.
• Take the full course of antibiotics we prescribe, even if the infection appears to have diminished. Even though you might be feeling better, it is still possible that you have an infection.

How To Tell If Your Wisdom Teeth Stitches Are Infected

You may be wondering if your wisdom teeth stitches are infected or not. Here are a couple of signs that may indicate that they could be infected:

• Presence of purulence

• Area looks reddish

• Inflamed and swollen

If you see pus, then it is a definitive sign that it is infected. The other three symptoms and signs may indicate that it could be but not necessarily.

You can just be on the lookout for any pus. Its a white fluid so its hard to miss. The area may still be slightly oozing blood which is red and that is normal. It is when you see the color white mixed in that you should be concerned.

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Can Stitches Get Infected After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Any object which is constantly exposed to the oral environment, which contains a lot of bacteria can get infected and stitches are no exception. The two primary ways that you can get infected wisdom teeth stitches are from insufficient oral hygiene and also from residual infection.

Insufficient oral hygiene:

After the wisdom tooth removal even with stitches in place, there will still be a residual hole in the gums. That means it is quite easy for a lot of food and debris to get stuck in the hole and infect the stitches.

Therefore if you don’t keep the entire area clean, it can and will get infected. We understand that the area is tender and sore after the procedure but it does not mean that you should avoid cleaning it. If you avoid it completely, that is how it can potentially get an infection.

The best way to keep the stitches clean is to rinse vigorously with salt water after every meal. That should be sufficient to prevent food from getting lodged into the socket.

Residual infection:

Sometimes the wisdom teeth stitches could get infected because of a residual infection from the extraction site. What we mean is that usually the infection should clear because the source of it stems from the wisdom tooth. By removing the third molar, the infection should be gone.

Good News When You Remove Your Wisdom Teeth In Coral Springs

The good news is that wisdom tooth infection is usually easily treatable with a course of antibiotics. Nevertheless, if the infection is left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, so its essential to be on the lookout for symptoms of wisdom tooth infection. This is exactly the reason why you need to get an experienced dentist. See us at Oral Facial Reconstruction.

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Do Wisdom Teeth Holes Ever Close

Ideally, yes. The natural healing process involves a clot formation inside of the wisdom tooth hole. Just like any wound in your skin, your body creates a temporary cover to safeguard itself against pain and infection. A wisdom tooth blood clot is part of natural healing methods.

Unfortunately, its possible for factors that dislodge the blood clot. Any time that happens, it exposes the hole or socket underneath it where the tooth used to be. We call this painful condition a dry socket and it affects a small fraction of oral surgery patients.

The key to prevent a dry socket and speed up wisdom teeth holes becoming closed, make sure you avoid things that will dislodge the blood clot like:

• Physical irritation

As long as the blood clot in your wisdom tooth socket isnt irritated, you should expect the hole to naturally close in.

Can I Prevent Dry Sockets

People who smoke have an increased risk of developing dry socket. To reduce this risk, dont smoke for at least three days after your tooth extraction.

You can take other steps to prevent dry socket after having a tooth removed:

• Dont drink through a straw.
• Avoid warm or carbonated beverages.
• Follow all postoperative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.

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Wisdom Tooth Infection: What Are Causes Symptoms And Treatment

Getting wisdom teeth is uncomfortable in even the best of circumstances, but when they become infected, discomfort quickly turns into throbbing pain. The location of wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth makes them susceptible to infection, as does the fact that they often come in partially impactedfood easily gets stuck between the tooth and soft tissues and its difficult to brush or floss away.

When a wisdom tooth is infected, its important to get prompt treatment, as infection can spread to other parts of the body. During your appointment, dentist will clean the area surrounding the tooth to clear away food debris and bacteria, then prescribe a course of oral antibiotics. Once the infection has resolved, you can return to dental office to have your wisdom tooth extracted.

When To See Your Dentist

If your pain persists for more than 3 or 4 days or you are experiencing swelling, then pay a visit to your dentist. He or she will identify the cause of the problem and suggest the best treatment.

Whatever you do, dont delay visiting a dentist until the pain becomes severe or you develop significant swelling. Often, when this happens a person can require emergency care.

Whether your wisdom teeth have yet to come through or you are experiencing discomfort, get in touch with experienced dentists at No Gaps Dental.

Book online or call us on today to schedule a consultation.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

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How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost

Simple extraction of a wisdom tooth can cost as little as $99 per tooth. The cost of wisdom teeth that are impacted can cost between $230 and $340 and even more. Because costs vary in different areas of the country, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for their charges. Also, check with both your dental insurance carrier and medical insurance provider. One or the other type of insurance may cover a portion of the cost of wisdom teeth removal.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth

Your wisdom teeth are molars. Theyre the large teeth at the back of your mouth, sometimes called the third molars. Theyre the last teeth to grow in. Most people get wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25.

Like other teeth, a wisdom tooth can:

• become impacted
• get stuck below or in the gumline

If you have a wisdom tooth infection, youll need treatment from a dentist. But not all pain is the result of a tooth infection. Below we discuss treatments for wisdom teeth infection and pain.

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Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions for your removal appointment. Be sure to follow them carefully.

Wisdom tooth removal is a common and routine procedure and has a low rate of complications. The removal usually takes less than an hour and involves anesthesia.

You shouldnt experience any pain during or immediately after the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, though, you might feel pain where the wisdom teeth were.

The Signs Of An Infection After A Tooth Extraction

A boneinfection after tooth extraction is a dangerous ailment. If not treated, a patient can go into sepsis. Sepsis is an infection caused by anything that enters the bloodstream and can impair flow to the vital organs in your system. As the sepsis infection worsens, it can impact your breathing, affect the oxygen levels throughout your body, can cause dehydration, and can even lead to mental and emotional distress. If you are worried that you have signs of infection after oral surgery, please call your dentist for an appointment.

If you suspect that you could have a bone infection after a tooth extraction, it is best to see your dentist immediately. The risk for sepsis increases the longer a bone infection is left untreated, as such several dentists offer same day, urgent care treatment of this serious condition. Saltwater rinses can help with pain while youre waiting for an appointment. Your dentist will drain the infection, if possible, to speed up the healing process and then prescribe an antibiotic.

An infected socket after tooth extraction is a different story. It is caused by the bacteria infecting the gumline around the exposed socket within one or two days of the extraction, causing swelling and redness. An infected socket can be just as serious as a bone infection after tooth extraction, so its best to call your dentist right away. An infected socket after tooth extraction can lead to sepsis if not taken care of quickly

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Treatment For Wisdom Teeth Infection

Infections caused by wisdom teeth can be treated:

• sometimes, by the prescription of antibiotics.
• removal of the wisdom teeth

However, the infection may keep coming back if problem teeth are not removed. People who have other health problems, especially people with lower immunity, may have complications from these infections.

How To Prevent The Stitches From Becoming Infected

After having the extraction site cleaned out, there are a couple of things which you should do so that it doesn’t happen again.

• Finish the antibiotics. You should definitely finish the entire course of the medication, which is about one week. It should kill off any residual bacteria.

• Use the antibiotic mouth rinse. This rinse is used twice a day and it will help keep the area clean and free of bacteria. Consequently it also helps the wound heal faster.

• Rinse with salt water. After every meal, you should be rinsing vigorously with a salt water rinse so that food doesn’t get stuck in the socket.

• Maintain oral hygiene. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Plaque and food that is left around may irritate the site.

• Minimize chewing on that side. By using that side less while eating, you’ll minimize the chances of food getting lodged into the stitches.

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What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal

Before your wisdom teeth are pulled, the teeth and the surrounding tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic — the same type used to numb a tooth prior to having a cavity filled. In addition to the local anesthetic to numb the pain, you and your dentist or oral surgeon may decide that a sedative is desired to control any anxiety. Sedating medications that could be selected include: nitrous oxide , an oral sedative , or an intravenous sedative . If nitrous oxide is given, you will be able to drive yourself home. If any of the other medications is selected, you will need someone to drive you both to and from the appointment.

How Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Affect My Oral Health

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection and damage to other teeth. Wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean. As a result, theyre more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

Can impacted wisdom teeth cause headaches?

Yes. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause radiating pain in your jaw, face and head.

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Why Would You Need Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is incredibly common and is performed for a variety of reasons. Mouth pain can be debilitating, so oral surgery is often used to address common causes of pain and discomfort. Tooth extractions are the most recognized form of oral surgery, and include removing teeth that are damaged, decayed, or impacted . Oral surgery can correct jaw-joint issues , overbites or underbites, and sleep and breathing issues, as well as replace missing teeth via dental implants. Facial trauma can also be addressed through oral surgery and the damaged area can be reconstructed. Positive oral health promotes positive overall health, so seeking care when you are experiencing an oral issue is essential.

How To Treat A Tooth Infection

If you think you have a tooth infection, see your dentist or doctor immediately. An untreated tooth abscess can result in serious problems and more extensive infection. The longer an infection goes untreated, the more difficult it will be to treat.

A tooth infection can be treated with antibiotics. However, the infected tooth may also need to be removed, or the infection will return. This may require an emergency tooth extraction, as well as antibiotics. In some cases, the tooth can be saved with a root canal procedure. Or, the tooth might also be saved by simply filling a cavity or capping a cracked or chipped tooth.

Your dentist can diagnose a tooth infection and give you the best treatment options. If you notice any of the signs previously mentioned, or if your tooth is cracked, chipped, or weakened, see your dentist as soon as possible. Resolving a tooth infection quickly will keep the problem from getting worse.

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Symptoms Of An Infected Wisdom Tooth

The first sign of an infected wisdom tooth is usually pain at the back of your mouth, either in or around the wisdom tooth or in the jaw. If its not immediately treated, the pain might spread into the throat and neck as well as all over the jaw. You might also have a sore throat, and the lymph glands just under the jaw may become swollen as the clusters of white blood cells they contain fight the invading bacterial infection.

Your face and jaw may also swell at this time, causing you some alarm and making it difficult to eat, but its a sure sign of an infected wisdom tooth. Many people with an infected wisdom tooth also notice a bad taste or smell in their mouth that just wont go away, and again, this is a result of the bacteria that have taken hold in or around the wisdom tooth and the odours they give off.

Information On Infections After A Tooth Extraction

Are you wondering what the chances of infection are after a tooth extraction? If you are getting ready to have a tooth extracted, rest assured that the chances of infection are low. That is if you carefully follow all of the post-operative instructions your dentist gives to you.

Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure, with two of the more common reasons for extracting a tooth being related to severe tooth decay and tooth trauma. When a tooth is pulled it leaves a hole where the tooth used to be, which needs to clot to prevent an infection. The clot acts as a barrier to any outside elements that can cause potential infections. If for some reason the clot is not able to form, then the area is going to become prone to getting an infection.

How does the infection after a tooth extraction start?

A mouth infection can start when bacteria are allowed to enter the space where the tooth used to be. The infection begins once the bacteria gets into the bloodstream. It is crucial that all dental patients follow their dentistâs post-op instructions very carefully to avoid infection. It is vital to keep the area clean of debris and is essential for preventing future infection.

Signs of infection after extraction

When a tooth has been extracted, it is normal for the area to remain red and swollen for up to 48 hours. A little bit of bleeding is also normal and usually stops within eight hours of having the procedure done.

The bleeding continues for more than 24 hours.

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