Infection After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Facing Infection After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
So, you’ve finally had your wisdom tooth removed, and now you are dealing with aftercare challenges. You may be wondering if that throbbing pain, swelling, and unpleasant taste in your mouth are normal or signs of something more serious, such as infection. While infection after wisdom tooth removal is not really uncommon, there are ways to prevent it and experience a more comfortable recovery. In this article, Dr Roya will discuss why some people may experience infection after their procedure, how to be careful about the signs, prevention ways, and what to do next if infection does happen.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Infections Happen?
Several reasons may interfere with your healing process and cause you to experience infection after wisdom tooth removal.
Bacteria in Wound
After your Perth Dentist removes your wisdom tooth, bacteria from your mouth may enter the empty socket that is now exposed. If these bacteria enter the wound, they can cause an infection and lead to pain and swelling. That’s why it’s important to keep your mouth and the surgical area clean to avoid complications like an infection.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you do not maintain proper oral hygiene after wisdom tooth extraction, harmful bacteria may build up around the surgical area. Bacterial buildup around the wound can lead to an infection, delayed healing, and discomfort. Make sure you follow your dentist’s aftercare advice about how to clean your mouth after your procedure.
Improper Aftercare
If you do not avoid certain foods, smoke, rinse your mouth too vigorously, or skip your prescribed medications, you may disrupt the healing process. Actions like these may dislodge the protective blood clot or allow bacteria to enter the wound and increase the risk of infection.
Trapped Food
Small parts of food may get stuck in the empty socket where your tooth was removed and create a spot for bacteria to grow and increase the risk of infection. This can happen, especially if the extraction site is not cleaned properly. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution can help remove food left over and keep the surgical area clean.
Weak Immune System
Having a weaker immune system because of health conditions like diabetes or certain medications may make it harder for the body to fight off bacteria and prevent infections. This can make the extraction site more vulnerable to bacteria.
Dry Socket
A dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot is lost too soon and exposes the underlying bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and increase the risk of infection.
Discover everything you need to know in our in-depth guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.
Risk Factors for Infection
It is important to remember that even with proper oral hygiene, there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing an infection after wisdom tooth removal:
Smoking and Vaping
If you smoke or vape after having your wisdom tooth removed, it can slow down healing because less blood reaches the area. There are certain chemicals in tobacco and vape products that can irritate the extraction site and make it harder for a protective blood clot to form. When the blood clot is not properly formed, the wound will be exposed to bacteria and this can increase the risk of infections. Plus, when you inhale, you create suction, which may dislodge the clot and lead to a painful dry socket.
Diabetes and Other Health Conditions
If you have conditions such as diabetes, your immune system is weaker; therefore, your body will have a harder time fighting off infections. Having high blood sugar can disrupt the circulation of blood and cause the surgical site to take longer to heal. This can create a better place for bacteria to grow and lead to an infection.
Birth Control Pills
If you’re taking birth control pills, you may have a higher risk of developing a dry socket after wisdom tooth extraction. High oestrogen levels in birth control pills may make it harder for a blood clot to form, which will leave the wound exposed to bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Signs of Infections after Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Experiencing some discomfort after having your wisdom teeth removed is normal. However, there are certain signs that may indicate that you’re dealing with something more serious than the usual post-surgery discomfort.
Pain That Gets Worse
After your wisdom teeth are out, you may experience some pain and this is a normal part of healing. However, if this pain or discomfort is getting worse, instead of getting better, you need to pay attention. If your pain is sharp, throbbing, and persistent and will not typically be relieved by over-the-counter pain medications, it’s best to contact your dentist. This kind of pain may be telling you that your body is trying to fight off an infection at the extraction site.
Swelling That Doesn’t Go Down
Most people will experience some level of swelling after their tooth removal procedure and this is not something uncommon. However, this swelling should reduce after a few days following your procedure. Swelling that is increasing or spreading days after your surgery may be a sign of an infection at the extraction site, which requires urgent attention. This swelling may feel warm or even hot to the touch, which is another red flag that your body is battling bacteria.
Unusual or Bad Taste in Your Mouth
If you notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth after wisdom tooth removal, especially if it is with a bad breath that does not get better even with brushing your teeth or using mouthwash, you may be dealing with an infection.
Fever or General Unwell Feeling
If you notice that you have a fever after your wisdom tooth extraction, it may mean that bacteria have entered the wound and your body is fighting an infection. If bacteria enter the extraction site, your immune system raises your body temperature to help kill the harmful germs. Feeling generally unwell and experiencing symptoms like chills, fatigue, or muscle aches may indicate that the infection is spreading.
Pus or Discharge at the Extraction Site
One of the most obvious signs that you may be dealing with an infection after wisdom tooth removal is seeing a yellow, white, or greenish discharge (pus) at the extraction site.
Do not ignore this sign, and visit your dentist as soon as possible so that they can assess the situation and come up with a good solution.
Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop
Some bleeding after wisdom teeth removal is normal, especially within the first 24 hours. However, if you experience bleeding that lasts more than 24 hours or starts increasing instead of decreasing, it may indicate a problem. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding that continues after the first 24 hours, alongside pus, a foul taste or smell, or increased swelling and pain, it could be a sign of infection at the extraction site.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed and now you are experiencing swelling or tenderness in your lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck, it may be a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection. Lymph nodes become enlarged when they’re actively fighting off bacteria or inflammation.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth (Trismus)
Some people may feel stiffness or pain when they try to open their mouth wide after a wisdom tooth extraction, which could be a sign of an infection that is spreading or inflammation in the surrounding jaw muscles.
How to Prevent Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
To prevent infection after you have your wisdom teeth extracted, follow these instructions:
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Start brushing your teeth, but be extra careful around the extraction site and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember that you should not rinse or spit forcefully for the first 24 hours after following your procedure because this can dislodge the blood clot.
Use Saltwater Rinses
After the first 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water) several times a day, especially after meals, to keep the extraction area clean.
Take Prescribed Medications
If your dentist or oral surgeon prescribes antibiotics, make sure to finish the whole pack.
Avoid Certain Activities
Smoking may interfere with the healing process. Make sure you don’t smoke, vape, or use tobacco products for at least a week after wisdom tooth removal to minimise the risk of infection. Plus, do not use straws or anything that causes suction because sucking can loosen the blood clot and lead to a dry socket.
Follow Dietary Recommendations
After your wisdom tooth is removed, eat foods like soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky may irritate the wound or get trapped there, so it’s best to avoid them.
Manage Swelling and Pain
Put an ice pack on your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 1–2 days to help with swelling. If your dentist has prescribed any pain medications, make sure you take them to reduce discomfort.
Rest and Limit Physical Activity
After your wisdom teeth surgery, do not do anything too heavy or tiring and try to relax for the remainder of the day. Also, try to take it easier for a few days so that your mouth can heal properly.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
If you notice signs like severe pain, swelling, fever, or pus coming from the surgical site, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
Oops, Is That an Infection? What to Do Next
If you think you may have an infection after getting your wisdom teeth out, act quickly so that you can stop it from turning into more serious problems.
Immediate Steps
Contact Your Dentist Promptly
The first step after recognising possible signs of infection after wisdom tooth removal would be contacting your dentist. Taking care of the infection early helps stop it from getting worse.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep it clean. However, be gentle around the wound and try not to disturb it.
Potential Treatments by Your Dentist
Antibiotic Therapy
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection. It’s important to take them exactly as directed and complete the entire course as directed to ensure the infection is fully cleared up.
Drainage of Abscess
If there is an infection, your dentist may drain the pus to alleviate pain and pressure and help you feel better. This can help prevent the infection from spreading.
Debridement
In some cases, if the infection doesn’t get better with antibiotics, minor surgery may be needed to clean the extraction site.
Pain Management
Your dentist may also give you over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the pain.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regular Check-Ups
Do not neglect your follow-up appointments so that your dentist can keep track of your healing process and make sure the infection is resolved.
Report Worsening Symptoms
If your symptoms do not seem to be improving, contact your dentist immediately. You may need further treatment to make things right.
Need a Hand? Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic Is Here for You
Infections after wisdom tooth removal can be frustrating. No worried, we’ve got you covered. At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, we act fast and treat with care, making sure you feel comfortable all along. Whether you’re experiencing troubling symptoms or just want expert advice, our team is here to help you heal properly and feel better, sooner. Call us today on (08) 9474 5083.