Many people require surgical extraction after wisdom teeth become impacted. This procedure is often straightforward, but issues can arise during and after the operation. The type of impaction plays a factor in the chance of complications. The four types of impaction are vertical, horizontal, distal, and mesial, with horizontal being the worst, where the teeth settle into place while staying trapped entirely beneath the gum line.
It’s normal to see a present infection in cases of severe impaction. Likewise, getting re-infected after removing your wisdom teeth is more likely than getting infected the first time. Undoubtedly, in some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause further problems in the days and weeks after your procedure. Before removing yours, educate yourself on what to watch for as the top signs of infection after wisdom tooth extraction.
Why Do We Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Some impacted wisdom teeth do not require removal. The extraction is only recommended if the impacted teeth are causing you problems. For example, these teeth might grow in and press against your molars. Ignoring this problem will cause all of your teeth to start getting crooked. The worst case scenario is severe teeth crowding, which can angle from the molars to the front of your teeth. Wisdom teeth that only peek through the gums heighten the risk of gum disease. Without proper oral care, this area is likely to get infected and can even form an abscess.
The good thing about getting your wisdom teeth taken out is that it won’t affect your jaw structure. Wisdom tooth extraction does not affect your jaw joint positioning, the shape of your jaw, or the strength of your bite. If you are concerned with the complexity of your extraction, request your dentist’s instructions on handling possible concerns. Of course, you can literally save your life by watching out for signs of infection or reinfection.
What Are the Signs of Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
One of the primary signs of wisdom tooth extraction infection is bleeding that lasts more than 24 hours. Another indicator is if the pain level drastically increases after the second recovery day. Some other possible signs include persistent swelling, bleeding, and pus packet formation. Infection after extraction runs a risk of sepsis. If this occurs, the infection can reach the bloodstream and become potentially fatal. Seek immediate medical attention if you think you are having a septic reaction. Some signs of sepsis to watch for include sudden high fever, cold chills, hot flashes, racing heart, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
How to Prevent Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Preventing infection after extraction means keeping the area clean and protected for as long as possible. The extraction site is at increased risk of infection or reinfection for a few weeks. However, the first four days are especially vital. A lack of pain, swelling, and bleeding after the first four days is a good sign that post-extraction infection won’t happen to you.
Related: What to Do After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Care After Surgery
Do not smoke or chew food for 24 hours post-extraction. Avoid using a straw for drinks, as sucking air can increase the chance of developing a dry socket. Regularly ice the cheek and avoid hot liquids to keep swelling down. Be very gentle when brushing your teeth. Start lightly rinsing your mouth 12 hours after the operation is complete. Keep an eye out for excess swelling, bleeding, or pain, especially after more than 24 hours post-extraction. Most importantly, watch for a dry socket and do all you can to avoid it. Don’t smoke for at least three to four days for the best results.
Get Advice from Your Dentist
Your dentist will send you off with a prescription for pain medication. Make sure to receive as much guidance as possible on the aftercare before you leave the office. Your dentist’s instructions should be followed precisely to reduce the risk of infection. If you have a dry socket, take extra precautions and make sure you understand what to do. Any wisdom teeth infection with a dry socket can cause severe pain. This complication arises as the body does not form a blood clot at the surgical site. Be careful around the tooth socket after the wisdom tooth removal is complete. Keep in mind that the blood clot can dislodge after it forms too. After extraction, sucking in any form of smoke is enough to increase the risk of a dry socket by as much as three times!
Get Advice from Boon Dental
Here at Boon Dental, we understand the risks and complications of wisdom teeth extraction. We do our best to properly educate our patients on the top warning signs of infection after wisdom tooth extraction. It is imperative to provide reliable guidance when recovering from any dental procedure.
If you’re still worried about the risks, consider reading our ‘5 Possible Complications of Wisdom Tooth Extraction‘ blog post.
Wisdom is vital in preventing infection after the procedure. Take the time to understand what you can expect and chat in detail with your dentist for further clarity and guidance.
Are your wisdom teeth impacted and causing you problems? Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Today!