Wisdom Teeth Removal Infection: Causes, Symptoms

Are you thinking to get your wisdom teeth extracted? While wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, it can lead to an infection if proper precautions are not taken. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth that grow at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge between 17 and 25, but in some cases, they may not.

Why do we remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal is often recommended if they are causing problems such as pain, overcrowding, or impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when they don’t have enough space for emerging properly, and they may grow at an angle, causing pain and discomfort.

What is wisdom teeth removal infection?

Wisdom teeth removal infection is a bacterial infection that can occur after wisdom teeth extraction. It can affect the socket where the tooth was removed and the surrounding gums. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other body parts and cause serious complications.

Causes of infection

Infection can be caused by various factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and a weakened immune system. Bacteria can also enter the open wound after the extraction, leading to an infection.

How do I know if my extraction site is infected?

The symptoms of infection include pain, swelling, redness, fever, bad breath, and pus drainage. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to contact your dentist immediately.

How is wisdom teeth removal infection diagnosed?

Your dentist will examine the extraction site and take X-rays to diagnose the infection. They may also perform a culture test to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment for wisdom teeth removal infection

The treatment for infection includes antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Your dentist may also recommend a saline rinse to help reduce the swelling and clean the infected area.

Home remedies for infection

Several home remedies can help relieve the symptoms of wisdom teeth removal infection, such as rinsing your mouth with salt water, applying a warm compress to the affected area, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Complications of infection

If left untreated,infection can lead to serious complications such as bone loss, tooth loss, and the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Do you need wisdom teeth removed for invisalign?

The need to remove wisdom teeth for Invisalign treatment depends on each individual case. In some cases, the presence of wisdom teeth can affect the alignment of teeth and jaw, and their removal may be necessary before starting Invisalign treatment.
However, not everyone needs to remove wisdom teeth for Invisalign treatment. It’s best to consult with an orthodontist who can evaluate your specific case and determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary for successful Invisalign treatment.

How to prevent infection after wisdom teeth removal?

You can prevent infection by following your dentist’s instructions carefully, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and eating soft foods for a few days after the extraction.

What are the risks of wisdom teeth removal? 

Like any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal comes with risks such as bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced dentist.

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal

It may take a few days to a week to recover from wisdom teeth removal. During this time, you should rest, avoid strenuous activities, and eat soft foods such as soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. You should also avoid using a straw and smoking as it can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

Studies show that bad oral hygiene can lead to dementia, lung infection, and stroke – so brush your teeth.

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When to contact your dentist

Suppose you experience severe pain, fever, or swelling that disappears after a few days. In that case, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. They may need to prescribe stronger antibiotics or perform a surgical procedure to drain the infection.

FAQs

Can you get an infection after wisdom teeth removal? 

Yes, getting an infection after wisdom teeth removal is possible if proper precautions are not taken.

What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth removal infection? 

The symptoms of removal infection include pain, swelling, redness, fever, bad breath, and pus drainage.

How is wisdom teeth removal infection treated?

Infection is treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Your dentist may also recommend a saline rinse to help reduce the swelling and clean the infected area.

When can I eat chips after wisdom teeth removal?

It’s generally recommended to avoid eating chips and other hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for at least a week after wisdom teeth removal. It is to allow the extraction site to heal properly without any disturbance or irritation.
After a week, you can slowly start adding soft foods back into your diet and gradually progress to harder foods as the healing process continues. It’s important to listen to your body and not rush the healing process, as this can lead to complications and delays in recovery.

How do you know if your wisdom teeth are infected after removal?

After removing wisdom teeth, signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness, fever, bad breath, and pus drainage. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your dentist immediately to receive proper treatment and avoid any potential complications.

How long after wisdom teeth removal can I get an infection?

An infection after wisdom teeth removal can occur any time during the healing process, but it is most common within the first week after the procedure. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and maintain good oral hygiene to minimize the risk of infection. If you experience any symptoms of infection, seek prompt treatment from your dentist.