How Long Does Infection Last After Tooth Extraction?
Although rare, complications can happen after you’ve undergone tooth removal. A wound infection is one of the most common complications patients experience after tooth removal. There are a lot of questions raised as to what may cause an infection to occur after tooth extraction and how long treatment takes. Therefore, our periodontist in Coquitlam, BC, came up with this article to address those questions and others related to dental removal.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
Tooth infection is the most common complication experienced after tooth removal. See your dentist as soon as you start experiencing the signs of tooth infection listed below:
Swelling
Swelling immediately after tooth removal should be expected and thus not cause alarm. However, if the swelling spreads to the jaw, gum, or face and doesn’t subside after a few days, you should see a dentist immediately, as it may indicate a tooth infection.
Pus
Pus is a thick white or yellow residue that may appear reddish after coming in contact with blood. If you notice pus discharging from your wound, immediately see a periodontist in Coquitlam, BC, as your wound may be infected.
Pain
It’s normal to experience pain after surgery. Your dentist will prescribe painkillers to help with the pain you’ll be experiencing during recovery. However, you should be concerned if the pain doesn’t subside even after taking painkillers for a few days. Go to your dentist and notify them of this; they can do an oral exam to check for signs of infection and offer treatment.
Fever
Many people get fevers after surgery which usually go away after a few hours. So with that in mind, you should be worried if your fever persists or worsens with time. Talk to your dentist about it so they can do tests to determine if your wound is infected.
Bad Breath
Did your breath start stinking after tooth removal? Bad breath is another common sign of tooth infection and can be pretty embarrassing. If you started having bad breath after dental removal, visit your dentist for a checkup.
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can Infection Set In
Tooth infections typically occur a few weeks after tooth removal. The infection is caused by the spread of bacteria to the wound and, with time, can spread to the bloodstream and cause other health problems.
When you come to our dental clinic for treatment, we will first examine your wound and prescribe you antibiotics if we find any signs of dental infection. Ensure you take all the antibiotics your dentist prescribes even after you start feeling better. Not doing so can make it easier for the infection to return later and also make the antibiotics less effective. Below are tips on how to prevent infections undergoing oral surgery:
Use a Gauze
Don’t be alarmed if you see a bit of blood exiting from the site of the wound. Bleeding post-surgery is normal and can be managed using a gauze. Place the gauze on the wound’s surface and wait for approximately 30 minutes before taking it off. You can repeat this step as often as possible until the injury stops bleeding.
Take All Prescribed Medications
Your dentist will give you a prescription to follow during recovery, which usually consists of painkillers and antibiotics. Don’t overdose or underdose, regardless of how you feel afterward. If you experience any side effects like itching or swelling after taking medicine prescribed by your dentist, see an emergency dentist near you for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Rest
People often underestimate the benefits of resting. Resting allows your body to recover faster, significantly reducing the time you’d have spent recovering. So rest often so long as you have the free time to do so. You should also avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities a few days after tooth removal.
Watch Your Diet
The food we eat plays a significant role in recovery. After tooth removal, eat soft food rich in protein and drink water often to stay hydrated. Don’t use a straw the first seven days after surgery.
Avoid Smoking and Using Tobacco
Don’t smoke or take tobacco for at least the first four days aftertooth removal. Smoking and using tobacco after treatment can slow down healing and also increase the risk of tooth infection.
Conclusion
Some dental problems are too severe and can only be treated through tooth extraction. Tooth infection is the most common of all complications you could experience post-tooth removal. However, it’s relatively easy to treat and does not take long to recover from. Visit Tri-Cities Dental Specialist for tooth extraction and other dental procedures. We have modern dental equipment and the best dentist in Coquitlam, so the treatment we provide is fast, effective, and affordable.