You have an “extra” set of teeth that grows slower than your regular “adult” teeth. These teeth appear in the rear of your mouth and are called third molar teeth, more commonly known as wisdom teeth. They often emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. Some wisdom teeth only partially appear and get impaction-stuck (or impacted) on neighbouring teeth or bone.
Surgery to extract wisdom teeth is a standard procedure that dentists perform daily. A safe, routine procedure, it goes smoothly most of the time. Still, a wisdom teeth extraction complication can occur. Swelling, bleeding, and numbness in the jaw are all possible, but rare, complications.
The following are the five most common issues that arise most frequently following wisdom tooth removal and what to do if you see them.
Dry Socket
When your dentist removes your wisdom teeth, blood clots grow over the extraction sites as a part of your natural healing process. These clots aid in your mouth’s healing. If these blood clots become dislodged, they can leave the extraction area unprotected. The nerves inside your gums can be exposed to air or food particles.
This condition is called alveolar osteitis or dry socket. If you should feel a sudden throbbing or intense pain at the site of wisdom teeth extraction complication, you must immediately call your dentist or oral surgeon so they can provide appropriate care. It is worth noting that dental patients who smoke have a higher risk of developing dry socket than non-smokers and should refrain from smoking after tooth extraction.
Swelling
After any wisdom tooth extraction, it’s common to feel some pain and experience swelling, especially during the first one to three days. Your doctor or dentist may suggest prescription or over-the-counter painkillers to help with any initial discomfort. Contact your dentist’s office if you experience swelling or even moderate pain after a few days. Your dentist may need to examine you to determine the best course of treatment.
Excessive Bleeding
Blood clots don’t form immediately over the extraction site, so bleeding during the first 8–12 hours following extraction is normal. Your dentist or oral surgeon will tell you how to reduce bleeding, such as refraining from smoking and gargling with salt water every hour.
Infection
A slight infection is typical and nothing to worry about. Minor swelling will result from this illness, but it should go away in three to seven days. The medications that your dentist has given will manage the condition. However, you should call your dental surgeon if the infection after the procedure continues to worsen.
Sinus
The thin membrane that divides the nasal cavity from the space left by your excised wisdom teeth might occasionally tear during wisdom tooth removal. The dentist will use sutures to plug it if this does happen. If, after the procedure, when you drink water, it comes out of your nose, it’s crucial to let the dentist know. In order to help prevent the connecting hole from developing, your dentist will urge you not to blow your nose for a few days following the procedure. It is strongly advised against sneezing or coughing while keeping your mouth or nose shut. It’s better to let it go and wipe your face with a tissue instead. This will stop any unexpected shift in the socket’s surrounding pressure.
Summary
Contact your dentist with any concerns or questions you might have about wisdom tooth extraction. Any surgical procedure has some level of risk, though wisdom tooth extraction is routine and almost always occurs without complication. It is still a good idea to be well informed about possible difficulties you may experience.
Following wisdom tooth removal, it’s common to have pain, swelling, and limited jaw opening for a few days. For the vast majority of people, this is the extent of complication they will have to contend with, and they will heal normally and without discomfort.
It’s good to note that even routine dental surgery is still surgery and should be taken seriously. There is no cause for worry or concern. Still, it is helpful to be familiar with the symptoms of possible complications.