Having a tooth pulled in adulthood is sometimes necessary. In fact, there is a chance of complications, even if the procedure you get is straightforward. One of the more severe complications is developing an infection from tooth extraction. This is a painful condition that can lead to a much more threatening situation. So, if you think you have an infection from your recent dental treatment, call your dentist or visit this website right away to get the help you need. In any case, here’s what to look for if you are worried about complications developing after your tooth extraction, including the treatment and prevention you need to know.
Understanding Tooth Extraction
You might go through a simple tooth extraction or an oral surgical extraction.
In a simple procedure, your tooth is apparent from other teeth and not tied up to the 
jawbone. Your dentist can eliminate the tooth with dental pliers. However, they will give you local anesthesia before doing simple tooth extractions. Since the procedure is simple, complications are uncommon.
On the other hand, a surgical procedure is commonly known as wisdom tooth extraction. This is because most dentists do this procedure in a much more complicated condition, such as impacted wisdom teeth. In any case, oral surgery can differ from one patient to another. Your dentist or oral surgeon will cut the gum tissue to remove the tooth, again under local anesthesia. However, they can give you general anesthesia if necessary. After the removal, your dentist will clean the extraction site and stitch it closed.
Tooth extraction is a popular method, yet an infection is possible for both procedures. Surgical and straightforward extraction depend intensely on a post-procedure blood clot to cover the extraction site. This is because the blood clot protects exposed bone and nerves and keeps germs out. If there is an issue in blood clot forming, an infection might happen.
Potential Complications After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Your dentist will do the extraction by removing your tooth from its dry socket in the upper or lower jaw. Then, at this point, the bone should heal. However, at times, complications happen, such as:
Dry Socket
Dry socket or infected socket is a common complication arises after oral surgery. This happens when the blood clot that makes up for the void left by the removed tooth becomes dislodged. The absence of a blood clot can expose the nerves and result in pain and discomfort since it acts as a bandage inside the mouth during healing. If you have extreme pain days after the procedure or notice the bone in your tooth socket is visible, contact your dentist right away.
Bone Infection in the Mouth
Dental infection is another possible complication from tooth extraction. This happens when the bacteria enters the body after any dental procedure. A few signs of infection include unpleasant taste, bad breath, fever, and swelling in the gums, jaw, or neck.
Nevertheless, keep in mind to inform your dentist of any signs and symptoms of complications as soon as possible. You can visit St. Leonards Dental or any reliable dental clinic near you. Reporting your symptoms right away can immediately treat the problem and lessen the odds of developing further complications.
Common Signs of Tooth Extraction Infections
Even though pain after a tooth extraction is normal, you need to know that the pain should not be excessive or long-lasting. This is frequently the absolute first indication of infection.
Furthermore, the signs of infection for all tooth extraction procedures are very similar in the beginning. The eight common symptoms of an infection after tooth extraction are:
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Swelling in the jaw
- Swollen glands of the neck
- Bitter or foul taste in the mouth
- Extra sensitive teeth
- Pain that increases after extraction
Some signs and symptoms are severe enough to promote an immediate visit to the emergency room. Swelling in the jaw and fever, with or without trouble breathing, may imply you are encountering potentially fatal sepsis or are near it. Contact the nearest and most accessible medical provider in your area, like your emergency dentist or doctors from Omnicare Medical in Southbank, VIC. If they are not accessible, go quickly to the nearest emergency room.
How To Prevent Infection?
Prevention is the best treatment for infection after tooth extraction. When you get dental 
extraction, be sure to follow tooth extraction aftercare and practice good oral care as instructed by your dentist.
Follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the blood clot is in place and your extraction sites are clean and recovering.
Treatment
If you have an infection after extraction, you might get a few or all following treatments.
Antibiotics
It is essential to take the complete course as instructed by your doctor, regardless you start feeling better.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Most infections start to respond quickly to antibiotics, yet over-the-counter medications can help ease the swelling and pain. However, if you have excessive bleeding, your dentist may keep you from blood-thinning ibuprofen and recommend naproxen sodium instead.
An Analgesic or Topical Dressing
An analgesic treatment or other topical pain relievers can help soothe the pain from an infected socket after tooth extraction. In any case, some patients with dry sockets depend on clove oil for pain relief.
Cold Compress
When dealing with the infection and pain, a cold compress can be exceptionally alleviating. Use a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time.
Root Canal Treatment
Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment if the infection is in the dental pulp of an adjacent tooth.
Draining the Infection
A tooth infection can result in the development of pus. In that case, your dentist will drain this and completely clean and treat the affected part with a topical antibiotic.
Debridement
Your dentist will conduct this treatment in extreme conditions where the infection has moved to the jawbone, causing necrosis or death of the bone. In this procedure, the dentist scrapes away dead bone tissues.
The effectiveness of treatment may depend upon the severity of your condition. Know that reporting your symptoms of infection can treat complications and prevent further issues as soon as possible.
You can go to WestRydeDental.com.au today if you need a professional to take a look at your current condition.
References:
When Surgical Extraction Of Teeth Is Necessary.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
Dry socket vs. normal socket: What are the differences?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-socket-vs-normal-socket#normal-socket-comparisons
Root canal treatment.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/root-canal-treatment/
A Guide to Topical Pain Medications.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/topicals.aspx