What does an infection look like after tooth extraction

Once a tooth has been extracted, bacteria will still be alive in the mouth, even more so with those who have bad oral hygiene. Infections are very common following extractions. Depending on how bad the tooth was that the dentist removed, he may prescribe you some antibiotics to take that will greatly reduce your risk of getting an infection. In some cases though, even antibiotics can’t prevent an infection.

If you go to the dentist before the extraction experienced swelling of the face, swollen gums, pain in your teeth under light pressure, or bleeding around the extraction site, then you may already have an infection. If you indeed have an infection before you get the tooth treated, the dentist will prescribe you antibiotics to use following treatment. If you have a really bad abscess, you’ll need to use antibiotics to treat the infection before the dentist will remove the tooth.

In some cases, people develop an infection after the extraction, even though they may not have been infected beforehand. The reason for this, is bacteria. Following an extraction, bacteria will be more alive in the mouth than ever before. With the extraction site being exposed, the bacteria will be able to get into the site. This can lead to an infection due to the site being exposed and the fact that you are unable to use mouthwash or brush during the first 24 – 48 hours. Not being able to sterilize your mouth means that you are unable to kills the germs responsible for bacteria.

After extractions, the first sign of infection is renewed bleeding. This normally occurs around 48 hours after the extraction. Even though it normally isn’t severe, you should still call your dentist and make an appointment to be seen. Your dentist will be able to stop the bleeding and give you some antibiotics and other prescriptions that will fix the problem.

Some dentists prefer to give patients antibiotics before they will do any type of extraction. Although you may not have an abscess, most dentists prefer to get rid of the infection before they start doing their work. They do this because they know the local anesthesia won’t work all that good with infections, and it may take them a lot of work and a lot of medicine to numb the area that you have the infection in.

In the event that the tooth has to be removed and the dentist simply cannot wait a few days, it is possible to get you numbed. Although it will take quite a bit of medicine to numb the area, it can be done. Sometimes, dentists will choose to use an IV sedation or laughing gas, in the event that local numbing doesn’t help. An IV sedation will normally put you to sleep or knock you out, so that the dentist can remove the tooth that is causing you so much trouble.

Even though infections can cause a lot of pain and need to be dealt with immediately, you may not have to take antibiotics once the dentist has extracted the tooth. If your mouth is clean and you don’t have a lot of germs, you can normally heal the would by taking care of it. Rinsing your mouth out with salt water for the first few days will keep the extraction site clean. As long as you take care of the extraction site and do what your dentist tells you, you shouldn’t have any further problems with the extraction site or the infection.

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Need to get a tooth extracted and concerned about complications? We've got you covered. With today's modern procedures and follow up care, mostextractions are safe and straightforward. In some cases, complications can arise, including getting a bone infection after a tooth extraction (which is unlikely). Here's what to look for if you're concerned about complications developing after your tooth extraction. We'll also look into treatment and prevention, so you know what to expect and can prepare appropriately.

Potential Complications Following Tooth Extraction

If you need a tooth extracted, your dental professional will remove your tooth from its bony socket in the upper or lower jaw. The bone then must heal. Sometimes during this process, complications arise, like dry socket and infection. Details for each follow:

• Dry Socket: Acommon complication after removing a tooth is dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot that fills the void left by the extracted tooth becomes dislodged. Since the clot acts like a bandage within the mouth during healing, its absence can expose the nerves and cause discomfort. If you notice that the bone in your socket is visible or if you experience severe pain in the days following extraction, see your dental professional immediately.
• Infection in the Mouth: Another potential complication following an extraction is the development of a dental infection. That's because, after any dental procedure, there's a chance of bacteria entering the body. Some signs of an infection in the mouth include bad breath, a sour or bitter taste, fever, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swelling or tenderness in the gums, neck, or jaw.

The key is to report any symptoms of complications early, so you can treat the issue right away and decrease the chances of developing anything further.

Though it's highly uncommon, it's also possible to develop a bone infection after tooth extraction. This condition is clinically called osteomyelitis, and although it is rare, it can be serious. Osteomyelitis can occur in the mouth when the open wound created from an extraction becomes contaminated, and the infection spreads to the underlying bone. The symptoms of osteomyelitis are similar to those of other dental infections, including:

• Fever
• Swelling, tenderness, or pain in the affected area
• Warmth or redness at the site
• Weight loss and or fatigue

Again, let your dental professional know right away if any of these symptoms show up for you after your tooth extraction.

Prevention and Treatment

The treatment of bone infection depends on the extent of the infection. Surgery might be necessary to drain and clean the infected area, followed by antibiotics. In some cases, antibiotics may be sufficient. Other instances may require a bone graft (a surgical procedure that uses a transplanted bone to repair and rebuild the damaged bone). Regular follow up with your dentist may be necessary after treating osteomyelitis to keep you healthy.

Preventing infection is also possible. Alongside tooth extraction, antibiotics can be preventive. It's also always important to keep up your daily oral care and hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regularly seeing your dentist.

Now you know what to look out for after a tooth extraction regarding complications. If you have pain, a fever, or tenderness at the site, contact your dentist right away. That way, you can treat any complications and prevent further issues as soon as possible. Although osteomyelitis is unlikely after a tooth extraction, it's great to understand the possibility and the signs and symptoms of infection. Remember to ask your dentist about anything that's on your mind regarding your tooth extraction. After reading this article, they'll be impressed with your dental knowledge.

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