The Signs of an Infection after a Tooth Extraction

A bone infection after tooth extraction is a dangerous ailment. If not treated, a patient can go into sepsis. Sepsis is an infection caused by anything (virus, bacterial, fungal) that enters the bloodstream and can impair flow to the vital organs in your system. As the sepsis infection worsens, it can impact your breathing, affect the oxygen levels throughout your body, can cause dehydration, and can even lead to mental and emotional distress. If you are worried that you have signs of infection after oral surgery, please call your dentist for an appointment.

If you suspect that you could have a bone infection after a tooth extraction, it is best to see your dentist immediately. The risk for sepsis increases the longer a bone infection is left untreated, as such several dentists offer same day, urgent care treatment of this serious condition. Saltwater rinses can help with pain while you’re waiting for an appointment. Your dentist will drain the infection, if possible, to speed up the healing process and then prescribe an antibiotic.

An infected socket after tooth extraction is commonly mistaken for a dry socket, which is the result of your tooth socket being empty and having raw bone exposed. There’s no infection, swelling, or redness. However,, it’s a painful condition that takes a long time to heal. Once a tooth is extracted, and if the blood clot gets dislodged, it is basically raw bone on all sides. That is why dry socket can be so painful and why people think they have an infection when they don’t.

An infected socket after tooth extraction is a different story. It is caused by the bacteria infecting the gumline around the exposed socket within one or two days of the extraction, causing swelling and redness. An infected socket can be just as serious as a bone infection after tooth extraction, so it’s best to call your dentist right away. An infected socket after tooth extraction can lead to sepsis if not taken care of quickly

Signs of infection after wisdom tooth extraction
These are signs and symptoms that you may have a bone or socket infection after tooth extraction.

– Bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing
– Bitter taste that doesn’t go away after salt water rinses
– Fever over 101
– Pain that doesn’t respond to prescribed painkillers
– Swelling of gums
– Temperature sensitivity on teeth
– Swollen glands of the neck
– Swelling of the jaw
– Pain at extraction point or socket
– Radiating pain down jaw line

The signs of infection after oral surgery are the same as those of an infection of the bone or an infection of the socket and both should be taken seriously. Sepsis can be fatal if left untreated. Call your dentist if you experience any of the following;

– Difficulty swallowing or breathing
– Excessive bleeding
– Persistent numbness or loss of feeling
– Blood or pus in nasal discharge
– Pus or ooze coming out of the socket

Maiden Lane Dental located at 80 Maiden Lane, New York, NY is ready to help you. Our patients come from all areas of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond.  Do not let the signs of infection after a tooth extraction or oral surgery get worse. Contact Maiden Lane Dental Now!