If you have a wisdom tooth growing sideways or a badly decayed tooth causing you harm, extraction is probably the best way to get rid of it. However, tooth extraction is a very complicated process. As simple as it may seem, the procedure relies on you to be successful. The slightest misstep or neglect can lead to infection after tooth extraction. This causes extreme pain and discomfort and can make your day-to-day activities a living nightmare. Thus, to prevent an infection from developing and to identify its signs beforehand, continue reading this blog.
Can You Get an Infection After Tooth Extraction?
You might think pulling out a tooth ensures all your dental troubles are over, but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Oral infections are very common, and they are quick to develop when your gums or teeth are exposed.
Tooth extractions leave behind an open socket, the area vulnerable to all kinds of bacteria and germs. Thus, taking care of your oral health and hygiene is of utmost importance. Because if you do not, the bacteria might sneak into your mouth, contaminating the extraction site and giving birth to an infection.
Signs of Infection After Tooth Extraction
Infections are known to be troublesome and painful, no matter where they occur. However, an infection that develops after tooth extraction can leave you in agonizing pain, making it difficult to open your mouth or even eat properly.
Catching the symptoms of an infection before it fully grows can be of big help. Once you know what to look out for, you can contact your dentist, let them know, and seek treatment immediately. Nevertheless, here are a handful of symptoms of post-tooth extraction infection:
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- The pain slowly gets worse after the procedure rather than fading away.
- Your gums have been swollen and tender for over 2 days.
- There is a foul stench coming from your mouth.
- Small pockets of pus have formed around the extraction site.
- Your body temperature starts o rise, leading to a full-body fever and chills.
- Your mouth tastes funky, no matter how many times you brush.
- Any kind of feeling in your mouth has gone, leaving it numb.
- The extraction site won’t stop bleeding, even after 24 hours.
- It is difficult to open your mouth, swallow food, or eat.
- The pain slowly starts extending to your jawbone.
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Ways to Prevent and Treat an Oral Infection
Despite the sheer pain, an oral infection can be treated easily, especially if caught in the earlier stages. Here are some tips to prevent the infection from worsening and to soothe the ache.
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- Refer to your dentist and get prescribed antibiotics.
- Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free and antiseptic mouthwash.
- Gargle with a saltwater solution.
- Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks.
- Keep the extraction site clean and bacteria-free.
- Do not smoke or drink after the extraction surgery.
- Get the abscess professionally drained by your dentist.
- Apply a cold compress over the swollen area to minimize its effects.
- Limit your diet and food intake.
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When To See a Doctor
Infection after tooth extraction is not uncommon, but as long as you take good care of your oral hygiene, you can prevent it from developing. The instant you feel like the pain is getting worse or there is a swelling in your mouth that wasn’t there, rush to the nearest dentist. For more information, you can also contact SIMA Dental at (281) 457-6444 or directly visit us at 14815 Woodforest Blvd, TX 77530, United States, next to Subway.