Typically, a tooth extraction is a quick procedure and is routinely performed in most dental offices daily. But what are the complications of tooth extraction? In this article, we discuss the types of complications you might face and how to avoid them.
What Are the Complications of Tooth Extraction?
If an experienced, reputable dental surgeon performs a tooth extraction, it typically does not cause serious complications and heals within 7 to 10 days. Expected symptoms you may expect after the procedure that are not considered complications include:
- Minor bleeding for the first hour or a couple of hours (depending on the complexity of the case)
- Swelling in the gum around the extraction site or in the face and jaw for a couple of days
- Dull but moderate pain for several days after the surgery
- Slight stiffness in the jaw
Typically, these symptoms do not cause any significant discomfort and can be successfully managed with over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses.
Symptoms that can signify complications after a tooth extraction:
- Bleeding that lasts for more than several hours
- Pain that intensifies or lasts for more than several days
- Intense swelling that does not subside after 3 to 4 days
- Unpleasant smell from the procedure site
- Visible pus at the procedure site
- Fever
These symptoms might signify one of the following complications:
Infection
Infection can occur at the procedure site if you do not keep the site clean or maintain adequate oral hygiene during recovery. Additionally, the risk of infection is increased when:
- The extraction is traumatic and causes significant tissue damage
- You do not adhere to a liquid and soft diet, and food gets stuck in the socket
- You smoke during recovery
- Your immune response is weakened
- You have a preexisting infection in the mouth
Thus, to avoid infections, we recommend cleaning your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a toothbrush and flossing every evening. Additionally, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution after meals, but do not swish the water. Abstain from smoking and alcohol and switch to a liquid diet for the first 72 hours after the procedure, followed by a soft diet for the next week.
Also, it is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
Dry Socket
Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot (which naturally forms in the socket as an essential step of the healing process) dissolves or is dislodged too early. Most commonly, this happens in the following cases:
You swish water in your mouth aggressively
When suction in the mouth is created by smoking or drinking with a straw
In some cases, it can be caused by oral contraceptives
Dry socket treatment focuses on pain relief and infection control. A dentist or oral surgeon must always treat it.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage most commonly occurs during lower arch teeth extraction, due to the complex anatomy of the extracted tooth and the fact that the tooth roots lie very close to the nerve canal. Symptoms of nerve damage may include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Burning sensations
- Loss of taste
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours after anesthesia wears off
If you experience these symptoms, contact your dentist and schedule a follow-up appointment.
Get a Safe Tooth Extraction at Absolute Family Dentistry
If you require a tooth extraction, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist at Absolute Family Dentistry. Our specialists strive to provide stress-free and complication-free tooth removal surgeries. We are looking forward to your visit.
