Everything you need to know about wisdom teeth infection after removal

Infections that can occur after wisdom teeth removal

All surgery carries risks, including wisdom teeth extraction. Post-operative complications vary from person to person, depending on the complexity of the procedure, your health, and the aftercare you receive.

However, it is important to distinguish between complications and postoperative effects. The latter is a normal physiological reaction that our body triggers to initiate healing.

Infections can occur days or weeks after surgery and are often associated with throbbing pain and pus discharge with signs of inflammation, including redness, swelling, and heat sensation.

Fortunately, these are rare and often temporary. Recovery usually occurs spontaneously or with known treatments. Infections that can occur after a tooth extraction include:

1. Osteitis or bone inflammation

1. Dry socket

Alveolar osteitis, also known as dry socket is one of the most common post-operative complications after tooth extraction. Although alveolar osteitis is not considered an "Infection", it interferes with the healing process and delays recovery. The lower wisdom teeth are most affected.

In normal conditions, when a wisdom tooth is removed, the socket where the tooth used to be is immediately covered with a blood clot. This clot protects the exposed bone from infection and helps it to heal. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot does not form properly or breaks off.

The first few days after the extraction are the most critical, during which time you must follow your dentist's advice to avoid damaging the blood clot.

Symptoms usually appear 3 days after the procedure and include severe, constant, and spontaneous pain triggered without touching the extraction site. It can also spread to the ear and the rest of your jaw. Over-the-counter painkillers usually do not help. Other symptoms may include bad breath and taste in the mouth, and swollen gums.

2. Socket infection

In other situations, debris or a poorly treated infection can remain in the socket after surgery. This allows bacteria to grow and cause a "True Infection."

In this case, symptoms appear more quickly (a few hours after the procedure). The pain is usually less intense than in the case of dry socket.

You may notice that the socket is filled with a white stuff along with pus leakage and an unpleasant odor. Your gums may also be swollen and inflamed.

Infection of the socket can also affect your general condition, causing fever, tiredness, and swollen lymph nodes under the lower jaw.

If you think you have a socket infection, see your dentist or surgeon as soon as possible. He/she will take the necessary steps to treat the condition.

If the infection is left untreated, it can progress to the underlying jaw bone, leading to diffuse osteitis.

2. Cellulitis

It occurs when the infection spreads to the soft tissues surrounding the wisdom tooth.

Symptoms may appear a few days after the procedure. These include swelling, redness, and a feeling of heat in the area.

Your general condition may also worsen, with fever, tiredness, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.

Another less common form of infection is called delayed-onset infection (DOI). It occurs 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure and can have the same symptoms. DOI affects mainly the impacted lower wisdom teeth.

According to studies, its prevalence ranges from 0.7% to 5.8%. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, difficulty opening the mouth, pus discharge, and fever.

Various factors contribute to its occurrence, including poor oral hygiene, accumulation of food debris, smoking, and certain medical conditions.

3. Sinusitis

The roots of the upper wisdom teeth can sometimes be close to or in contact with the sinuses. The sinuses are bony cavities in the cheek above the upper molars.

Removing these teeth can injure the sinuses, causing a condition called sinusitis.

Symptoms include pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and nose, nasal obstruction, and pus leaking from the wound.

Factors that increase the risk of infection after wisdom tooth extraction

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can lead to food debris accumulation in the space left by the extracted tooth, damaging the blood clot and leading to infection.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the primary causes of dry sockets. Tobacco contains toxic substances that can slow down the healing process. It is recommended to stop smoking during the first 3 to 4 days to avoid infections.

Systemic diseases

Certain systemic diseases that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, blood disorders, and HIV, increase the risk of infections after the extraction.
If you have a systemic disease, tell your surgeon about it. He/she may prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure as a preventive measure.

Not following your dentist's instructions

After wisdom teeth removal, you must carefully follow your surgeon's recommendations. If you don't, you may disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Your surgeon will advise you on oral hygiene and diet and may prescribe antibiotics depending on the situation.

Age

The risk of infections increases with age.