Understanding Infected Gums After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that many people undergo to prevent future dental problems. However, like any surgery, wisdom tooth extraction carries certain risks and potential complications. One complication that some people experience is an infected gum after the removal.
What Causes Infected Gums After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
There are a few potential causes of infected gums after wisdom tooth removal:
- Bacterial infection - Bacteria can enter the extraction site and cause an infection
- Food/debris trapped - Food and debris trapped in the extraction site can lead to infection
- Dry socket - Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) exposes the bone and nerves, allowing infection
- Smoking - Smoking after extraction increases risk of developing a localized infection
Signs and Symptoms of Infected Gums
If you develop an infection after wisdom tooth removal, you may experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Throbbing pain that radiates to the ear, temple, jaw, or neck on the side where the tooth was extracted
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Swelling around the extraction site or jaw
- Redness and inflammation of the gums
- Pus draining from the gums
- Fever
Treating Infected Gums After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you suspect your gums are infected after a wisdom tooth extraction, contact your dentist right away. You may need antibiotics and professional cleaning of the infected site.
At-Home Treatment
Your dentist may also recommend at-home care to help clear the infection, such as:
- Saltwater rinses - Rinsing with saltwater can help flush out bacteria.
- Medicated mouthwash - Antiseptic mouthwashes can reach infection sites.
- Cold compresses - Cold compresses can alleviate pain and swelling.
Professional Treatment
In addition to at-home remedies, your dentist may provide professional treatment, including:
- Antibiotics - Oral antibiotics or antibiotic rinses can clear bacterial infections.
- Debridement - Removal of debris from the socket.
- Extraction site curettage - Cleaning out infected tissue.
- Endodontic treatment - If the adjacent tooth is infected, the nerve may need removal.
Preventing Infected Gums After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Practicing excellent oral hygiene and care after wisdom tooth extraction can help prevent painful and troublesome infections.
Post-Op Oral Hygiene
Be sure to brush and floss daily, avoiding the surgery site, to prevent bacteria buildup. Antiseptic mouthwashes can also help keep the area clean.
Socket Care
Follow all post-op care instructions from your oral surgeon, including:
- Irrigating extraction sockets with saltwater to flush out debris
- Applying medicated ointment over sockets
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend scheduled follow-ups so your dentist can monitor healing, provide professional cleaning if needed, and catch any infections early on.
When to Call a Dentist About Infected Gums
Even with excellent at-home care, infections can sometimes still occur after wisdom tooth removal. Call your dentist promptly if you notice infected gums or any other signs of infection.
Seeking early treatment is crucial, as mouth infections can spread quickly and become serious if left untreated. Call right away if you experience throbbing pain, swelling, fever, discharge, or other symptoms that concern you. Your dentist can determine the proper treatment to get the infection under control.
FAQs
What are the signs I have an infected gum after wisdom tooth removal?
Signs of infection include: throbbing pain that radiates to your ear, jaw or neck, bad breath, unpleasant taste, swelling around the extraction site, red or inflamed gums, pus draining from the gums, and fever. If you notice these, call your dentist promptly.
What should I do at home to treat infected gums?
At-home care for an infected gum includes: saltwater mouth rinses to flush out bacteria, using antiseptic medicated mouthwash to kill bacteria, applying cold compresses to alleviate pain and swelling.
How do dentists treat infected gums after wisdom tooth extraction?
Treatments may involve: antibiotics, debridement (removing debris), curettage (cleaning infected tissue), endodontic treatment if the adjacent tooth is infected.
How can I prevent infected gums after wisdom tooth removal?
Prevention involves: excellent oral hygiene (brushing/flossing properly), using antiseptic mouthwash, irrigating sockets with saltwater, applying medicated ointment to sockets, avoiding smoking/alcohol after surgery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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