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Infected Wisdom Tooth Extraction Site

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Are There Any Problems After The Extraction Of Wisdom Teeth

Infections after Wisdom Teeth Removal

As with any medical procedure, there can be complications or an unanticipated result. Some complications that patients undergoing wisdom tooth extraction may experience include: Damage to the sensory nerve that supplies sensation to the lips and tongue, sinus communication, infections, and dry sockets.

After the procedure, our assistants will review the post-operative instructions the person who accompanied the patient. We ask that these instructions closely, as they will make the patient the most comfortable following their procedure. If the patient was sedated, they will be comfortable and drowsy when they leave the office. Most patients prefer to go home and rest with no other physical or scholastic activities planned for a few days. With any medical procedure, there can be unexpected results. These can include delayed healing, infection, and post-operative numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue. The oral surgeon will review relevant post-operative events with each patient and answer any questions during their office visit.

How Can You Help Your Child Heal After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Most dentists recommend removal sooner rather than later to avoid problems associated with impacted or crowded teeth. However, only your childs dentist can decide, so its important to maintain regular dental exams and assessments.

If the dentist recommends extraction, its important to know what to expect from the surgery and recovery. It is our sincere hope that this article has helped you understand more about wisdom teeth and their removal. Additionally, its a good idea to discuss any questions or concerns you still have about removal with your childs dentist or oral surgeon.

Wisdom Tooth Removal: What Could Actually Go Wrong

Like any surgical procedure, you should foresee complications and risks involved in it. From the simplest minor operations on your skin to the most complicated and delicate eye surgeries , no procedure cannot promise perfection and freedom from complications. This includes prolonged bleeding, persistent swelling, fever, anesthesia effects like numbness of the lips, tongue, or chin, jaw pain, dry socket, as well as infection. These do not always occur, but they do, we need to address them as soon as possible. So, let us discuss the two most alarming complications: dry socket and bone infection.

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Wisdom Tooth Extraction Infection

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that we develop, usually in our late teens or early twenties . When it comes to wisdom teeth, people are differentyou can have anywhere from one to four wisdom teeth grow in. Usually as wisdom teeth erupt, they grow in crooked or crowd your existing teeth if there isnt enough room for the new molars to fit comfortably in your mouth.

In most cases, dentists recommend that people have their wisdom teeth extracted to prevent future problems such as infection, tooth crowding, jaw damage, cavities, sinus issues, and more.

Occasionally, people will get an infection after having their wisdom teeth removed. It is normal to experience some pain and swelling after having your wisdom teeth removed, but you may have a wisdom teeth removal infection if you experience the following symptoms more than 3 days after your surgery:

  • Pain and swelling
  • Pus emerging from the tooth extraction site

Bone Infection In The Mouth

What is the yellow stuff coming out of my wisdom tooth hole?

Dental infection is another possible complication from tooth extraction. This happens when the bacteria enters the body after any dental procedure. A few signs of infection include unpleasant taste, bad breath, fever, and swelling in the gums, jaw, or neck.

Nevertheless, keep in mind to inform your dentist of any signs and symptoms of complications as soon as possible. You can visit Our Dental Care if youre looking for a clinic in Drummoyne, or any reliable dental clinic near you. Reporting your symptoms right away can immediately treat the problem and lessen the odds of developing further complications.

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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 dentist’s 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.

Wisdom Teeth Infection Complications

Sometimes an infection in the wisdom teeth can lead to other health problems. These include:

  • A cyst This is a fluid sac that forms near to a tooth that can be caused by impacted wisdom teeth or infection. Cysts can affect the roots of adjacent teeth and may even weaken or damage the jaw.
  • Severe or recurrent infections Chronic infection from wisdom teeth can travel through the mouth, jaw, and respiratory tract which in rare cases can enter the bloodstream. This causes a serious health condition known as sepsis. Many dentists remove wisdom teeth at the first sign of trouble to prevent recurrent infections.

Treatment for wisdom teeth infection generally depends on the cause and severity of the infection.

That said, treatment usually involves

  • A thorough clean of the wisdom teeth and the surrounding teeth and gums
  • An antiseptic mouth wash
  • A course of antibiotics to treat the cause of the infection

These methods will help to calm the situation and get the infection under control, but in most cases, the wisdom teeth will probably need to be extracted. This is to help prevent further infection and damage to soft tissues.

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Common Signs Of Tooth Extraction Infections

Even though pain after a tooth extraction is normal, you need to know that the pain should not be excessive or long-lasting. This is frequently the absolute first indication of infection.

Furthermore, the signs of infection for all tooth extraction procedures are very similar in the beginning. The eight common symptoms of an infection after tooth extraction are:

  • Fever
  • Swollen glands of the neck
  • Bitter or foul taste in the mouth
  • Extra sensitive teeth
  • Pain that increases after extraction

Some signs and symptoms are severe enough to promote an immediate visit to the emergency room. Swelling in the jaw and fever, with or without trouble breathing, may imply you are encountering potentially fatal sepsis or are near it. Contact the nearest and most accessible medical provider in your area, like your emergency dentist or doctors from Omnicare Medical in Southbank, VIC. If they are not accessible, go quickly to the nearest emergency room.

What Is The Most Common Complication Following A Tooth Extraction

Severely infected upper right 3rd molar extraction

Dry socket is the most common complication following tooth extractions, such as the removal of third molars . Over-the-counter medications alone wont be enough to treat dry socket pain. Your dentist or oral surgeon can offer treatments to relieve your pain.

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Signs Of A Tooth Extraction Infection

Pain after tooth extraction is not uncommon but should be neither excessive nor long-lasting. This is often the very first sign of infection.

For all types of tooth extraction infection, the signs are similar in the beginning. Look for the following eight signs of infection:

  • Foul breath
  • Swollen glands of the neck
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Patients who develop an ear infection as a result of tooth extraction may also experience ear pain and dizziness. Other common symptoms include pain or pressure across the sinuses and a feeling of fullness in the head.

    A deep neck infection may come with the same symptoms but must be diagnosed with an MRI.

    There are a few symptoms that are serious enough to trigger an immediate trip to the emergency room). Fever and swelling in the jaw together, with or without difficulty breathing, means you may be experiencing potentially fatal sepsis . Call your emergency dentist, and if they are not available, go immediately to the closest emergency room.

    Problems With Wisdom Teeth

    Some wisdom teeth erupt without causing any problems, but sometimes, wisdom teeth come through at an angle and push into the gum or the tooth beside them. This is called impaction.

    Impaction of a wisdom tooth can be painful and sometimes causes infection. Brushing these teeth can be difficult. Food and bacteria can get stuck between the wisdom tooth and the tooth next to it, leading to tooth decay and gum infections called pericoronitis.

    Crowded wisdom teeth often lean sideways and rub against the cheek. This may cause ulcers on the cheek and chewing problems.

    Your oral health professional may recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed if:

    • there is not enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to come through properly removing a tooth early may help prevent a future problem
    • you are experiencing:
    • infection
    • damage to other teeth.

    They may also recommend keeping a watch on the tooth in case it looks like causing problems later.

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    What If The Wisdom Teeth Pain Persists

    You will find that any pain or swelling you experience will improve each day. The following are warning signs that you should contact your dentist or surgeon:

    • the bleeding does not subside with pressure
    • the swelling becomes worse rather than better
    • you experience throbbing pain three or more days post-surgery
    • you have a fever
    • you can see bone in the socket site.

    Look out for the following symptoms of an infection after tooth extraction:

    • Bad breath or a bitter taste in the mouth
    • Fever
    • Swollen glands in the neck
    • Swelling in the jaw

    It is unlikely you will experience these symptoms and complications, provided you follow the correct wisdom teeth aftercare instructions. If you do experience these negative side-effects, contact your dentist immediately.

    What Are The Advantages Of Wisdom Teeth Removal

    Impacted wisdom tooth extraction infection with lock jaw

    The most significant benefit of wisdom teeth extraction is that it reduces the risk for future oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, damage to adjacent teeth, bone loss and jaw damage. If youve already developed pain because of your wisdom teeth, then extraction can alleviate discomfort almost immediately and get you back on track to optimal oral health.

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    Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare

    After having your wisdom teeth removed, follow your dentist or oral surgeons instructions carefully.

    The spaces, or sockets, where your wisdom teeth used to be will form blood clots after surgery. These blood clots will need time and gentle care to heal properly and form new, healthy tissue.

    Your oral surgeon will likely prescribe antibiotics to keep infection at bay while your mouth heals. Take the medication as directed. They may also give you a pharmaceutical-grade mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine.

    You may be in pain for a few days once the anesthesia wears off. In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon might prescribe you a pain medication.

    Your dentist or oral surgeon will probably advise you to avoid the following during recovery:

    • Strenuous exercise
    • Drinking through a straw
    • Eating hard or crunchy foods

    Take these and any other instructions seriously. Otherwise, youll risk disturbing the blood clots in the back of your mouth.

    If the blood clot in a tooth socket is damaged or dislodged, you may develop a painful condition known as a dry socket. This causes the underlying bone and nerves to be exposed to air, which can lead to infection.

    A dry socket is treatable. Still, you can avoid it altogether by following your doctors post-surgical instructions.

    A week or so after your wisdom tooth removal, pain should subside. You will have a follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon around this time.

    In this article

    Are There Any Cons To Wisdom Teeth Removal

    Wisdom teeth do have some advantages. They can provide the support needed for a dental bridge. Wisdom teeth can also fill in gaps left after the loss of another molar. In fact, some scientists believe that wisdom teeth could be used in the future as a source for stem cells which could be used to develop new teeth.

    These days, dentists often use new dental technology during your childs dental exam to determine if extraction is necessary. Panoramic and digital X-rays help dentists see things that might be missed with a simple visual exam. Using X-ray technology can also help your childs dentist identify any additional risks from individual anatomical features. This tech also helps the dentist determine the best approach for the removal procedure for your child.

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    Bone Infection After A Tooth Extraction

    Though it’s highly uncommon, it’s also possible to develop a bone infection after tooth extraction. This condition is clinically called osteomyelitis, and although it is rare, it can be serious. Osteomyelitis can occur in the mouth when the open wound created from an extraction becomes contaminated, and the infection spreads to the underlying bone. The symptoms of osteomyelitis are similar to those of other dental infections, including:

    • Fever

    White Film On Gums After Tooth Extraction

    DRY SOCKET – Infection after tooth extraction: causes and treatment ©

    Another reason for white stuff appearing around the wound is plaque. It is a sticky fluid made up of bacteria and usually goes away with proper brushing and flossing. However, after tooth removal, you may not be able to brush for several days, due to which a white layer of plaque can develop around the socket. Upon returning to a normal oral hygiene regime, the plaque will go away.

    For some individuals, the gums nearby the surgery site turn white. This happens due to trauma of extraction and gets better a few days after the procedure.

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    Precautions After A Dental Operation Or Wisdom Tooth Removal

    Pain and discomfort

    Take any pain relievers prescribed to you accordingly. The pain may not go away wholly or instantly but resist the urge to overdose.

    Bleeding

    Bleeding continues for a few hours after the tooth has been removed. If it doesnt stop on its own or is excessive, follow these quick steps

    1. Wash and dry your hands. Sanitize with the methylated spirit if possible.

    2. Cut two to three patches of gauze pad measuring 2 by 2. Roll the up into balls.

    3. If you have more than one bleeding socket, place each of the rolled pad onto the sockets.

    4. Bite onto the pads firmly but steadily for between 20 to 30 minutes, to exert pressure on the sockets.

    5. Repeat this for up to three times as required.

    You can use cut face cloth corners or tea bags in place of gauze pads. This method should stop any bleeding. If it doesnt stop, consult your dentist /dental surgeon promptly.

    Swelling

    Swelling is also expected after a tooth extraction or just about any dental surgery. To relieve the swelling, place ice cubes at the corners of the mouth 24 hours after the surgery. Occasionally, place ice wrapped in a cloth on the jaws and the face for 20 minutes and then off for 20 minutes. Repeat this during the first day. You can then reduce the frequency during the second and third days. Typically, swelling should be maximum during the latter two days.

    General hygiene expectation after an oral surgery

    These are general precautions that help with healing and to avoid infections.

    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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    How Can You Tell If Your Wisdom Teeth Stitches Have An Infection

    Infection after a tooth extraction is not very uncommon, but you can prevent that from happening by keeping your stitches free from germs.

    Signs of infection include:

    • pus or blood in nasal discharge
    • bad taste in the mouth
    • Itching in the extraction hole

    If you have a feeling that an infection might be lingering, immediately see your oral surgeon. Your doctor will most probably prescribe you some antibiotics. Since oral infections are really good at worsening quickly, dont take too long to visit your oral surgeon and explain the symptoms you are experiencing.

    If youre looking for an oral surgeon in Houston, Texas, or nearby areas, head to Pearl Shine Dental. To schedule an appointment, call We would love to hear from you!

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