Do you have an infection after a tooth extraction? It’s not common, but unfortunately, it can happen due to several factors. However, you must seek a solution immediately. Left untreated, an infection after tooth extraction has the possibility of dangerous complications.
Why Do I Have An Infection After Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is performed to remove a tooth that has the possibility of causing long-term harm or is damaged beyond repair. If the tooth has an abscess or other sign of infection, the surgeon must remove all of the infection to prevent it from reoccurring or spreading. After your extraction is complete, they will prescribe painkillers to help with any pain. They will also, however, prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent swelling. Crucially, prescribed antibiotics will keep an infection from occurring or recurring.
Unfortunately sometimes, there is always the chance that bacteria can infect the tissue or bone around an exposed socket. Inflammation results, with prominent redness and swelling. You’re more likely to get an infection if:
- You’re not keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, including rinsing, brushing, and flossing.
- Food particles become stuck in or around the exposed socket or surgical site.
- You’re not taking antibiotics as prescribed, which increases the chances of an infection.
It would be best if you took care to differentiate signs of infection from the symptoms of a dry socket. Sometimes, the blood clot meant to heal the surgical site after extraction can become dislodged, causing the raw bone underneath to become exposed. This condition can be excruciating but does not typically show signs of swelling or redness that could signal infection. Ultimately, a dry socket can take weeks to heal, and you must contact your dentist immediately regardless. But, it isn’t the same as an infection. So what are the signs of infection?
Signs of an Infection
So, here are some signs of infection that you should keep in mind:
- Fever, fatigue
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the extraction area or nearby
- A sensation of pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse when you chew, eat or move your jaw.
An infection after tooth extraction carries the severe possibility of advancing to your other tissues or bone. It can even affect your jaw, face, or neck. In rare circumstances, it can travel to your bloodstream, causing sepsis. Sepsis is a dangerous, life-threatening emergency. Therefore, you must take care to contact your dental health professional immediately if you notice any signs of an infection.
Conclusion: Contact your Dentist Immediately
After reading this post, we’re confident that you have a good idea of what to look out for if you think you have an infection after tooth extraction. Follow your dentist’s instructions, and make sure to contact them as soon as possible to avoid serious harm to your health. A qualified professional will be able to treat the infection and stop it in its tracks.
At Cypress Dental Clinic, we promise to deliver treatment to every patient with comfort, professionalism, and dedication. As a result, we’re the top dentist available in Cypress, TX, while remaining affordable for our patients. If you have any questions or concerns you’d like us to help with, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (832) 427-6620. We’re ready to help.