Your dentist will do anything and everything in their power to save a tooth, and pulling it out is usually the last resort. In cases where the tooth grows impacted, the probability of infection increases. It is quite common for the last set of your teeth to suffer the wrath of bacteria. If your wisdom tooth gets infected, extraction becomes inevitable. However, there are chances of getting the extraction site itself infected as well. Let’s find out why this happens and what can be done about it.
What Causes Infection After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Some of the common causes include:
- Poor oral hygiene
Not keeping up with adequate oral hygiene practices is a major cause of post-extraction infection. Not cleaning teeth after 24 hours can lead to bacteria, food particles, and plaque, accumulation all of which contribute to this problem.Therefore, to combat this, dentists recommend gently brushing your teeth very carefully after you cross the 24-hour mark from the surgery. Make sure to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and do not vigorously rinse or spit to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
- Dry socket
A dry socket is a painful condition that is quite common if the blood clot dislodges from an empty socket, leaving the site of wisdom tooth extraction infected.
11 Signs of An Infected Wisdom Tooth Extraction Site
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Excessive bleeding from the extraction site
- Severe swelling in the gums
- Constant bad breath
- Metallic or bad taste in the mouth
- Loss of sensation or numbness lasting longer than 24 hours
- Pus oozing from the socket
- Painful jaw movement
- Extreme dental pain despite medication
- High fever
- Blood discharge from your nose
Treatment Options
Do not worry if you have been given the verdict of an infection spread after wisdom tooth extraction. Your dentist can take any of the routes from below to treat this issue.
- Antibiotic Use
They help defeat infection and prevent it from metastasizing further. Make sure to follow the dosage and intake instructions. Do not stop taking these medications even if your symptoms get better before the medication is finished. - Warm Saltwater Rinse
Make a saltwater solution and rinse your mouth with it to reduce inflammation and promote healing. - Pain Relief Medicines
OTC (Over-the-counter) pain relief medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, relieve discomfort and work on reducing inflammation as well. - Drainage of Dental Abscess
Do not worry if the dental abscess has taken a part of your gums. Your dentist can drain it to remove the accumulated liquid to negate pain and pressure. - Surgical Debridement
As per Dr. Paichun (Patrick) Huang, DDS, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), surgical debridement may be necessary if one has a severe infection that is not responding to other treatments. In this procedure, the infected tissue is extracted, followed by a thorough cleaning of the extraction site.
Closing Note
An infected wisdom tooth extraction site is a potential complication that may show up during the healing process. Learning about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help a great deal for a smooth recovery. If you want more information on ways we can be of help, contact Briar Forest Dental Group. Dial (713) 784-4430 to connect with us. Or visit our clinic.