Infected After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know
It is common for people to experience some level of infection after a wisdom tooth extraction. The procedure is complex and involves the removal of the tooth from its socket in the jawbone, as well as the surrounding tissue. This can create a space where bacteria can accumulate and cause an infection. This article will discuss what you need to know about infection after wisdom tooth extraction.
What Causes an Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The main cause of infection after a wisdom tooth extraction is bacteria. Bacteria can enter the area through the open wound created by the procedure. Bacteria can also accumulate in the space between the tooth and the surrounding tissue, creating an environment ripe for infection.
Preventing Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Following your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care is the best way to prevent infection after a wisdom tooth extraction. This includes:
- Keeping the area around the extraction site clean and dry;
- Gently rinse the area with warm salt water;
- Using an antibiotic mouthwash if prescribed;
- Taking any antibiotics prescribed;
- Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol;
- Avoiding using straws; and
- Eating soft foods and avoiding hard, sticky or chewy foods.
Signs and Symptoms of an Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms of infection, you should contact your dentist immediately:
- Pain or swelling in the area of the extraction;
- Fever;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Bad taste in your mouth;
- Unpleasant smell from the area;
- Foul-smelling discharge from the extraction site; and
- Redness or warmth in the area.
Treating an Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you experience signs of infection after wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. In some cases, your dentist may need to perform a minor procedure to remove any remaining pieces of teeth or tissue.
FAQs
What are the signs of infection after wisdom tooth extraction?
The most common signs of infection after a wisdom tooth extraction is a pain or swelling, fever, nausea or vomiting, bad mouth taste, unpleasant smell, foul-smelling discharge from the extraction site, and redness or redness or warmth in the area.
How can I prevent an infection after wisdom tooth extraction?
Following your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care is the best way to prevent infection after a wisdom tooth extraction. This includes keeping the area around the extraction site clean and dry, gently rinsing the area with warm salt water, using an antibiotic mouthwash if prescribed, taking any antibiotics prescribed, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, avoiding using straws, and eating soft foods and avoiding hard, sticky or chewy foods.
What should I do if I have an infection after a wisdom tooth extraction?
If you think you have an infection after wisdom tooth extraction, you should contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and may need to perform a minor procedure to remove any remaining pieces of teeth or tissue.
Conclusion
Infections after wisdom tooth extraction are not uncommon, but they can be prevented by following your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care. If you experience any signs or symptoms of infection, you should contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist can provide the appropriate treatment to help clear the infection.
DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic. It does not offer a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your situation. Any advice provided is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.