Wisdom teeth are four teeth in the back of your jaw, two up top and two on the bottom. They generally come in during your late teens or early twenties. When they are healthy and aligned properly, they can be beneficial. This, however, is not usually the case. In fact, most of the time, these teeth need to be removed. Sometimes, dentists even suggest removing them before the eruption to avoid troubles with other teeth. Extraction is usually quite straightforward due to the advancement in dental technology, and most patients recover easily. However, in rare cases, infection after wisdom tooth removal will develop.
What Causes Infection After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Infections after the extraction of wisdom teeth may occur due to several reasons. Some of the common causes include:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not keeping the mouth clean is the major cause of infections after surgery. If the teeth are not brushed well, the food, bacteria, and plaque will accumulate, leading to an infection in the extracted area.
To decrease this risk, dentists suggest gentle tooth brushing after 24 hours, including the area where the extraction was performed. Use a soft toothbrush, and do not vigorously wash or spit to preserve the blood clot in the socket.
Dry Socket
A dry socket, or Alveolar osteitis, increases the chances of infection. This happens when the blood clot in the socket comes out or dissolves too soon, exposing nerves and bone. Dry sockets are very painful and enhance the opportunity for an infection to set in on the side.
Therefore, avoid activities likely to cause the blood clot to dislodge, such as drinking from straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing.
Bacterial Contamination
Bacterial contamination is another common cause of infection. Several bacteria are normally in the mouth, and any break in the surgical area can allow these harmless bacteria to infect.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics after surgery to try to reduce this risk. To help prevent infection, be sure to follow the dosage instructions and take all the antibiotics.
Signs of Wisdom Tooth Infection
While removing wisdom teeth is usually safe and works well, infections can happen. Here are some signs to watch out for:
Pain and Swelling
Some pain and swelling are expected after wisdom teeth removal. If they do not get better or get worse over time, then that could be your infection manifesting.
Discharge from the Wound
If you have any kind of liquid, be it pus or blood, from where the tooth was extracted, it is an obvious sign of infection.
Bad Taste in the Mouth
If you have a salty, metallic, or bad taste in your mouth after wisdom teeth removal, that might be a sign of an infection. The taste most probably comes from bacteria or pus at the surgery site.
Feeling Unwell
When you feel unwell, sick, or tired after extraction, the infection is probably spreading throughout your body.
New Swelling in Surrounding Tissues
If swelling extends to areas other than the surgical site, like the face, it is a bad sign. Do not ignore it.
Worsening Swelling
Some swelling is expected after surgery, but if it worsens a few days after surgery, you should visit your doctor.
Gum Abscess
A white or yellow pus-filled bump on the tooth socket is a clear indication of an infection.
Bad Breath
If you have bad breath that doesn’t improve with good oral hygiene, it needs to be checked. Usually, the smell is due to bacteria in your mouth.
Persistent Pain
A little pain is expected, but if it becomes continuous or gets worse instead of better, that is not normal. It can be throbbing, sharp, or steady. If the painkillers don’t work, you should seek medical advice.
Continuous Bleeding
While some bleeding is normal after extraction, if its continues for more than 24 hours, then there is certainly a problem.
Fever and Swollen Glands
If you have a fever, swollen glands in the neck or jaw, and other symptoms like chills or sweating, you could be experiencing a bad infection. Notify your doctor and seek immediate medical help for treatment. This is very important to avoid really bad and sometimes life-threatening complications, like sepsis.
Treatment Options for Infection
To avoid infections after wisdom teeth removal, follow your dentist’s care instructions. Here are some key points:
- Avoid intense activities that could slow healing.
- Stay hydrated to help heal and prevent dry sockets.
- Watch what you eat to avoid irritating the surgery area.
- Avoid Smoking for a few days after the surgery if possible
If you do get an infection, wisdom tooth removal infection treatment options include:
- Antibiotics
- Pain medication
- Cold compresses
- Good oral hygiene to prevent more problems
- Gently clean the surgery area.
Conclusion
An infection following wisdom tooth extraction can be quite uncomfortable and concerning. However, knowing the signs, causes, and treatment options will help manage the situation. Early identification of the symptoms and early treatment are essential in avoiding further complications.
Remember that following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions is the most important way to lessen the chances of an infection. If you have any signs of infection, particularly weeks following your procedure, it is vital to seek professional dental care.
Here at Enhance Dental Centre, we are dedicated to providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary for fast recovery and keeping your teeth and gums in perfect health. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about your wisdom tooth extraction or other dental issues.
FAQs
1- Can a wisdom tooth extraction infection go away on its own?
No, a wisdom tooth extraction infection usually won’t go away without treatment.
2- How long does a wisdom tooth socket infection last?
The duration of a wisdom tooth socket infection varies, but if treated promptly, it typically lasts several days to a week.
3- When does infection typically occur after wisdom tooth extraction?
Infections after wisdom tooth extraction usually occur within the first week, but they can develop later in some cases.
4- Do all post-extraction infections require antibiotics?
Not all post-extraction infections need antibiotics. Your dentist will determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of the infection.
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