Sometimes, getting your wisdom teeth removed is necessary for long-term oral and overall health. In some rare cases, wisdom tooth extraction may lead to an unexpected condition known as subcutaneous emphysema. In this article, you will learn more about what surgically induced subcutaneous emphysema after wisdom tooth removal is, what the possible causes are, and also the preventive measures our Perth dentist takes to prevent such risks during the treatment.
Subcutaneous Emphysema Explained: A Rare Side Effect
Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare condition that may happen after wisdom tooth removal in rare cases. During the surgery, sometimes air may get trapped under your skin. This trapped air under your skin is what we dentists refer to as subcutaneous emphysema. Normally, air will move through our lungs and should leave our bodies with no problems. However, on some occasions, for example, after some dental procedures, like wisdom tooth extraction, air goes to places that it should not, like under our skin around our face or neck. While this is a rare condition, if it occurs, it needs to be addressed.
Identifying the Condition
Subcutaneous emphysema is a bit different from normal swelling. Instead of the usual puffiness you might expect after dental surgery, with subcutaneous emphysema, the swelling is because of air. If you touch the swollen area, it may feel crackly, which is a sign that air is causing the swelling, not fluid.
Why It Matters
While subcutaneous emphysema after wisdom tooth extraction is rare, knowing about it can help you better manage your recovery if it occurs. If you notice anything unusual after dental surgery, like swelling that doesn’t seem right, it’s best to contact your dentist.
Spotting the Signs Early
Some swelling and discomfort are normal after wisdom tooth extraction. But there are specific signs that can tell you if you’re experiencing surgically induced subcutaneous emphysema—a condition where air gets trapped under your skin. Being able to recognise these signs early can help you get the right care quickly.
Feeling Puffy in an Unusual Way
The first thing you might notice is swelling that does not feel quite right. This type of puffiness you feel after surgery may feel different from the usual kind of puffiness and swelling. If the area feels unusually soft or you hear a crackling noise when you press on it, it could mean there’s air trapped under your skin instead of fluid.
Uncommon Sounds and Sensations
You may also notice a crackling feeling when you touch the swollen area. This may make you a little scared but it is just air under your skin that is moving around. This kind of crackling is something that you usually do not experience with normal swelling.
Discomfort in Your Face or Neck
Experiencing discomfort after wisdom teeth extraction is not uncommon, but pay attention to where and how you feel it. If you have discomfort in your cheeks, jaw, or even down to your neck, along with unusual swelling or a crackling sensation, it could be subcutaneous emphysema.
Why Paying Attention Helps
Being aware of these signs can help you act quickly and contact your dentist or oral surgeon. They will assess the situation and inform you what to do next. Catching signs of problems early can help your recovery go smoothly.
Why Does This Happen? Causes of Subcutaneous Emphysema
When you hear about air getting trapped under the skin after wisdom tooth removal, you may be curious to know what’s causing this issue. Let us explain the condition simply so you can better understand the possible causes.
The Role of Dental Tools
Using modern dental tools could be one of the main causes of Subcutaneous Emphysema. Dentists and oral surgeons use equipment that can blow air. Sometimes, that air can get under the skin if there’s an opening, like after a tooth is taken out. It’s not something that happens often, but it’s a possibility with certain dental procedures.
Pressure Changes
Pressure changes in the mouth during surgery could be another reason. When your dentist is working on your teeth, especially wisdom teeth that are deeper in the gums, the pressure can sometimes force air into places that it does not usually go. It’s like when you blow up a balloon, and the air accidentally goes somewhere unexpected and into places that it should not go.
Small Tears
When a wisdom tooth is removed, small tears can form in the gum or surrounding tissues. These tiny openings can let air pass through and get trapped under the skin.
Keeping an Eye on Recovery
It is important to pay attention to how you feel after wisdom teeth extraction, and if you notice anything unusual, contact your dentist immediately because they can spot signs of subcutaneous emphysema early and get it treated. Remember, these complications are rare, and dentists take great care to minimise any risks during and after your procedure.
Preventing Complications: The Role of Technology and Expertise
When you come in to get your wisdom teeth removed, our top priority is making sure you have a safe and comfortable experience. We use the latest technology and rely on our team’s expertise to prevent complications like subcutaneous emphysema. Let’s talk about how we do this.
Advanced Dental Equipment
At our clinic, we use modern dental tools that help keep things as safe as possible during surgery. These tools are very precise, which helps us work smoothly and lowers the risk of air getting into places it shouldn’t. With this technology, we do our best to make sure your procedure goes safely and comfortably.
Skilled Dental Professionals
Our dental team is highly skilled in using advanced technology and is trained to use these tools with great precision. They have years of experience in wisdom teeth removal and perform the procedure with great care, making sure to remove teeth gently while protecting the nearby areas to reduce risks of complications.
Personalised Care Plans
Everyone’s mouth is different, which is why we create personalised treatment plans for each patient. Before your surgery, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and plan the procedure in a way that minimises risks for you. This personal plan helps ensure that your experience is smooth from start to finish.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
In the world of dentistry, there is always something new to learn. Our team stays updated with the latest research, technology, and techniques to make sure you stay as safe as possible during your treatment and recovery.
Your Role in Prevention
While we do everything we can to prevent complications during and after wisdom tooth removal, your role is just as important. Please follow our aftercare instructions, visit our office for your follow-up appointments, and reach out to us if you notice any unusual signs after the procedure so that we can help catch any potential issues early.
Treatment Options: What to Do If It Happens
Finding out you have subcutaneous emphysema after wisdom tooth removal may be a bit worrying, but there’s good news. There are steps and treatments that can manage the condition effectively. Let’s look at what can be done if you experience this rare condition after wisdom tooth extraction.
Reach Out to Your Dentist or Surgeon
The first step is to get in touch with your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as you notice any signs of subcutaneous emphysema. They can confirm if what you’re experiencing is related to this condition. They’ll likely ask you to come in for a quick check-up to assess the situation.
Monitoring the Situation
In many cases, subcutaneous emphysema is mild and can resolve on its own with careful monitoring. Your dental team will let you know what signs to watch for and if you need any follow-up visits. This way, they can keep an eye on your recovery and make sure everything’s going well.
Managing Symptoms
If you’re feeling any discomfort, there are ways to help you feel better. Your dentist may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers or other ways to reduce the pain and swelling.
Specialised Treatments
In more severe cases, you may need additional treatments. Your dentist may suggest procedures to help remove the trapped air or prescribe medications to prevent infection.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up sessions are important after the initial treatment to make sure that the subcutaneous emphysema is healing properly and give you a chance to ask any questions about your recovery. Your dentist or surgeon will provide specific instructions on what to do during this time and how to support your healing process best.
For more information about wisdom teeth, go to our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.
Ready to Help You Smile Safely
If you’re ready for wisdom tooth removal or just have questions about the procedure, Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic is here to help. We’re committed to providing you with expert dental care that puts your safety and comfort first. We also take pride in being a Medibank preferred provider, HBF preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, NIB preferred provider, and Bupa preferred provider dentist in Perth. Let’s work together to keep your smile bright and healthy without worry; call us now at (08) 9474 5083.