Post-Surgical Fever After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you are feeling a little feverish after having your wisdom tooth removed, you may be worried that something isn’t right. According to Dr Roya, an experienced dentist Perth, having a mild fever after wisdom tooth extraction can be your body’s normal response to the procedure. However, wondering whether it may be a sign of infection or other complications is completely understandable. Today, we will help you understand the common causes of fever after wisdom tooth removal, how long it should last, and when you should contact your dentist.
Is It Normal to Have a Fever After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Let’s see what’s considered normal:
Normal Body Reaction
If you are experiencing a low-grade temperature shortly after you have your wisdom tooth extracted, it is usually natural and a normal part of your healing process. When your body is recovering from the procedure, it may respond with a slight rise in temperature.
Typical Fever Range
Do you have a mild fever after wisdom tooth removal? So, if it is mild, then it is usually nothing to worry about. If your temperature is just a little higher than normal but stays below 38°C (100.4°F) and you don’t have any other signs of infection, it’s just your body’s natural response to the surgery.
Duration of Fever
The mild fever you experience after having a wisdom tooth taken out usually goes away within a day or two and doesn’t typically last more than 24 to 48 hours. However, if your temperature stays high for longer or starts to rise, it could be a sign of infection, and it’s best to check in with your dentist.
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What Causes a Fever Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Now, let’s go through some possible causes of experiencing a fever after wisdom tooth extraction:
Inflammatory Response to Surgery
After your dentist removes your wisdom teeth, your body begins an inflammatory response to aid recovery, which can cause a mild fever. This happens because your body sends more blood to the extraction site to repair it and releases natural healing chemicals, which can cause some warmth, swelling, and a small fever for a little while.
Post-operative Infections
If bacteria enter the extraction site, an infection can develop and lead to redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes fever. If your fever gets worse or you notice pus, a bad taste, or more pain, you should see your dentist to check it out.
Reaction to Medications
In some cases, the fever you get after wisdom tooth extraction may be caused by the painkillers, antibiotics, or the anaesthesia your dentist used during your procedure. If the fever persists or you have other symptoms like a rash or trouble breathing, it’s best to contact your dentist.
Pre-existing Oral Infections
If you had a gum infection, abscess, or untreated decay before your wisdom teeth removal, bacteria could spread and cause an infection after the procedure, which might lead to a fever. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to control the infection.
Poor Oral Hygiene Post-Surgery
Keeping your mouth clean after wisdom tooth removal is really important. If you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, bacteria can build up in the extraction site and lead to an infection that might cause a fever. Remember to rinse your mouth with salt water and follow your dentist’s advice about how to keep your mouth clean after your procedure to prevent any complications.
Food Particles Lodged in the Extraction Site
If small food particles get stuck in the wound, they can cause bacteria to grow and lead to a local infection, swelling, and possibly a fever. Make sure you rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help clear debris and reduce the risk of infection.
Use of Tobacco Products
Smoking or using tobacco can slow down healing because it reduces blood flow and brings harmful chemicals into your mouth, which raises the risk of infection and fever. Staying away from tobacco for at least a few days after surgery can help you heal better.
Underlying Health Conditions
If you have conditions like diabetes or immune disorders, your mouth may take longer to heal after wisdom tooth removal, and you could be at a higher risk of infection and prolonged fever.
For more information about wisdom teeth, go to our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.
When Should I Be Concerned About A Fever After Tooth Extraction?
As we mentioned earlier, a slight fever after a tooth extraction is often just your body’s way of healing, but in some cases, it may be a sign of something more serious. Knowing the difference between a normal reaction and a possible infection after wisdom teeth surgery can help you take the right steps for a faster recovery.
Normal Inflammatory Fever
If you get a mild fever after your procedure, it’s normal and should go away within 24 to 48 hours. As long as the fever is low, stays below 38°C, and you don’t experience additional symptoms like swelling, pus, or worsening pain, it is usually not a concern.
Infection-Related Fever
If your fever doesn’t get better after a couple of days or starts getting worse, it could mean there’s an infection. Signs like ongoing pain, swelling, pus, a foul taste, or difficulty swallowing could be warning signs that need urgent attention from your dentist.
What Are the Signs of Infection After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Persistent Pain and Swelling
After getting your wisdom teeth removed, some pain and swelling are normal. But if they don’t get better after a few days or suddenly get worse, it could be a sign of an infection. Infections can cause ongoing inflammation, which may lead to a fever as your body fights off bacteria.
Fever and Elevated Temperature
A mild fever right after your wisdom tooth extraction is common, but if your temperature stays above 38°C (100.4°F) or continues for more than 48 hours, it may indicate an infection. Your body raises its temperature to fight bacteria, so a prolonged fever should not be ignored.
Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste
If you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away, even though you’re keeping your mouth clean, bacteria might be growing in the extraction site. This could be a sign of an infection, which may also cause a fever.
Pus Discharge from the Extraction Site
As you probably know, pus is a clear sign of infection that usually looks like a yellow or white discharge that is coming from the wound. If you see pus coming from the extraction site along with a fever, swelling, or worsening pain, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Difficulty Opening Mouth (Trismus)
If your jaw feels stiff or you’re having trouble opening your mouth a few days after your wisdom tooth surgery, it may be due to an infection that is affecting the nearby muscles and tissues. If this happens and you also have a fever and swelling, it could mean that the infection may be spreading.
Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck or Jaw
Your lymph nodes help fight infections, so if the lymph nodes feel swollen or tender around your jaw or neck, your body might be dealing with an infection from the extraction site. If you have a fever along with swollen lymph nodes, it could mean that your immune system is working to fight off bacteria.
Increased Redness and Inflammation
Some redness is normal after you have a wisdom tooth removed, but if the area around the extraction site becomes increasingly red, hot, or inflamed, it could be a sign of infection. This swelling, along with a fever, can be a sign that your body is working to stop the bacteria from spreading.
Delayed Healing of the Extraction Site
If your wound isn’t healing properly after wisdom teeth extraction or is taking longer than expected, bacteria might be slowing down the recovery process. A lasting fever and slow healing could mean your body is having trouble fighting off an infection.
Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing
If you have severe swelling or an infection, it can make it harder for you to swallow or breathe, which is a serious problem and needs immediate medical attention. If you also have a high fever, you should get urgent care because the infection could be spreading.
How Can I Reduce A Fever After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
To reduce a mild fever after wisdom tooth extraction, you can drink enough water to stay hydrated and rest to help your body heal faster. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to decrease the temperature and ease pain or discomfort. You can also place a cool compress on your forehead or drink cold fluids to help lower your body temperature. Rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water can keep the extraction site clean and reduce the risk of infection. If the fever lasts more than 48 hours or gets worse, contact your dentist for further advice.
Can Antibiotics Prevent Fever After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Dentists may sometimes prescribe antibiotics after wisdom teeth extractions to help prevent infections, which can cause fever. However, antibiotics are not always necessary because most people usually heal well without taking them after the procedure. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics if you have a higher risk of infection, for example, if your wisdom tooth was impacted, or you had pre-existing oral infections, or certain medical conditions that weaken your immune system. It’s true that antibiotics can help lower the risk of an infection-related fever, but they usually won’t prevent the mild and temporary fever that can happen after the procedure. As mentioned earlier, this fever is just part of your body’s natural healing process. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily may cause side effects like an upset stomach and may also make them less effective in the future (antibiotic resistance).
Note: The content shared here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional for any questions or concerns about your health.
Don’t Ignore the Signs—Book Your Post-Extraction Checkup Today!
If you feel a little warm after wisdom tooth removal, it is normal, but if a fever lingers, it’s worth checking in. Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic is here to keep your recovery on track with expert care and real solutions—no stress, no guesswork. If something doesn’t feel right, let’s sort it out. Call us today at (08) 9474 5083.