Our wisdom teeth can present unique issues that significantly affect our dental health. The easiest method to avoid these issues is through emergency wisdom tooth removal. However, while tooth extraction seems like a simple treatment, it requires sufficient recovery and aftercare. Because of the tooth’s natural structure and location, it opens the possibility for complications—particularly wisdom tooth extraction infection.
Are you planning to undergo wisdom tooth extraction? Or perhaps you already did. Pain and discomfort are normal after wisdom tooth removal. However, if the condition does not resolve in time, you might be having an infection. This article will discuss all you need to know about wisdom tooth extraction infection, along with the possible ways to prevent it.
An Overview of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Some people develop their third molars emerging in their proper position. In that case, wisdom tooth removal might not be necessary. On the other hand, others have to struggle with an impacted wisdom tooth.
As the condition progresses over time, an impacted wisdom tooth could lead to improper development of the teeth structure. Since there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the wisdom tooth to fully emerge, it leaves conflict with its neighboring teeth. On rare occasions, it can also reach the jawbones. These situations dictate wisdom tooth extraction procedures.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
If you want to avoid future concerns or face challenges with your wisdom teeth, a tooth extraction procedure is necessary. A wisdom tooth removal can make a huge impact and spare you a lot from going through long-term agony.
The tooth extraction process takes only a few minutes. It involves loosening the tooth from its socket before removing it using forceps. Local anesthesia is used to execute a straightforward procedure. However, this process only applies to non-impacted teeth.
Impacted wisdom tooth extraction requires a more invasive process. Dentists usually perform this procedure under general anesthesia. An incision is necessary to expose the wisdom tooth within the gum tissue. This step allows sectioning of the tooth, which paves the way for easier access to the third molar. Finally, the dentist uses a dissolvable suture to close the incision site.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Infection
Most patients feel mild pain after the surgery. You may also expect some degree of swelling at the extraction site. It’s also normal for minimal bleeding to occur during this time. The extraction sites will heal after a few days. During the first week following extraction, you should see considerable improvements. In about seven days, all bleeding and discomfort should be gone.
However, an infection at the extraction site is possible. According to researchers, about eight percent who had wisdom tooth removal experienced minor complications. These include the following:
- There is excessive bleeding along with the surgical site.
- You’re having trouble swallowing your food.
- You find breathing to be more challenging than usual.
- You develop halitosis or bad breath even after gargling.
- There is a terrible and uncommon taste in your mouth.
- The extraction area remains numb after twenty-four hours.
- There is pus developing in the tooth socket.
- Opening and closing your mouth would feel painful.
- Even after taking pain medications, you still experience oral discomfort.
- You develop a fever within the week after the procedure.
- There is a pus discharge or blood from your nose.
Preventing Wisdom Tooth Extraction Infection
To avoid wisdom tooth extraction infection, patients must be especially cautious. It is imperative to care for your oral health following the treatment. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to reserve a few days following a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. Doing so will allow you to take some time to rest at home. Your body will need this time to heal quicker and return to your regular routine as soon as possible.
- Avoid active or stressful activities that may raise your blood pressure during the healing process. This way, you will avoid excessive bleeding.
- Experts also suggest increasing your intake of cold foods to constrict blood vessels in your oral cavity. This technique will induce the development of a blood clot at the extraction site. The sooner a blood clot forms, the better the odds of avoiding infection after wisdom teeth extraction.
- To relieve swelling and pain, you can clean the socket using warm saltwater. But it is crucial to make sure that a blood clot is already present.
- To decrease plaque accumulation, you can continue with your dental care regimen. However, you should only brush the neighboring areas and avoid touching the surgery site.
- Flossing is also essential, although you should keep in mind to do it as lightly as possible.
For symptoms relating to wisdom tooth extraction infection, you should talk to a dental professional as soon as possible. These situations should not be taken lightly since ignoring your oral condition can lead to more severe tooth issues.
Contact an Emergency Dentist in Adelaide
Experiencing symptoms of wisdom tooth extraction infection during the wee hours of the day? Fret not; our highly trained dentists are available 24/7 to assist you with all of your dental care needs.
Suppose you need assistance after your wisdom tooth removal or are experiencing discomfort after extraction. In that case, you can talk to our dentists and receive the necessary treatment that you need. Please do not hesitate to contact us right away at (08) 7078 8263.
Feel free to browse on our website to know more about the services that we offer.