What Causes Mouth Ulcers After Tooth Extractions and Removal?

Causes of Mouth Ulcers After Tooth Extraction

Mouth ulcers are open sores that can form on gums, cheeks, tongue, lips and other oral tissues. It's common to develop one or more painful canker sores after a tooth extraction procedure while the site heals.

Trauma from Surgery

The act of pulling teeth creates trauma in the area that invites ulcer development. Damage to gum tissues, nerves, bone and other structures triggers inflammation - the root cause of canker sores.

During extraction the oral surgeon may slice gums, crack bone or leave an open wound. Any of these issues can lead to post-op ulceration before oral wounds mend fully.

Infection

If poor oral hygiene exists before surgery, extracting a tooth may transfer bacteria deeper below the gumline. This could spark a localized infection in gum pockets or the tooth socket itself.

Infected tooth sites often seep fluid and debris that irritates surrounding areas. The antiseptic chlorhexidine prescribed after surgery usually prevents major infections and ulcers.

Chemical Burns

Canker sores sometimes emerge where the numbing gel contacts oral tissues during the procedure. The anesthetic chemicals may inadvertently burn sensitive areas in some people.

Any discharge-covered gauze pressed against cheeks and gums could also introduce irritants that manifest as mouth ulcers later on.

Medication Impacts

Certain prescription antibiotics, oral steroids or other medicines after surgery could potentially trigger ulceration as a side effect. Everyone has unique localized tissue reactions to drug compounds.

If ulcers crop up shortly after starting post-op medications, consider that drugs may be the culprit and consult your surgeon.

Treating Mouth Ulcers After Extractions

While brochures detail expectations of blood, pain and swelling post-extraction, the agony of cracking ulcers often takes patients by surprise. Thankfully several home remedies treat oral ulcer discomfort:

Saltwater Rinses

Gently swishing and spitting warm salt water helps control bacteria and eases canker sore sting. Simply stir a teaspoon of iodide-free salt into a cup of warm water. Do saltwater rinses two to three times daily.

Gel Treatments

Numbing antibiotic gels like Orajel provide temporary relief by coating ulcer surfaces with protective barriers. These also curb underlying infection which prolongs healing. Reapply gels every few hours as needed.

Aloe Vera Gel

Dab a cotton swab soaked in pure aloe vera gel directly on mouth ulcers to reduce inflammation and ease raw tissues. Aloe's compounds curtail canker sore pain while boosting collagen formation.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution as an oral antiseptic by swishing for 30 seconds before spitting out. Diluting with equal water prevents chemical burns. Rinse with saltwater after to flush debris.

Preventing Ulcers After Extractions

You cant always prevent surgery-related mouth ulcers but excellent oral care limits risks by supporting healthier extraction sites and faster healing. Heres how to avoid ulcers before and after tooth removal:

Practice Oral Hygiene

Ensure you brush twice and floss once daily leading up to surgery so the area enters the procedure as clean possible. This reduces chances of problematic infections afterwards.

Carefully brush other teeth while avoiding the surgery site initially. Then gently brush the healing hole around 2 weeks post-op as directed.

Follow Post-Op Guidelines

Closely adhere to all written aftercare guidelines from your oral surgeon, including medication doses and timing, gauze changing, oral rinsing, eating guidelines and follow-up visit schedule.

Allowing debris, food or fluids to enter fresh wounds too soon impedes the clotting process critical for problem-free closure and healing.

Quit Smoking

Tobacco severely restricts blood flow while flooding oral tissues with over 4,000 damaging chemicals. Quit smoking weeks before and after surgery so your mouth - and tooth extraction holes - get maximum blood flow to heal cleanly.

Seeking Treatment for Persistent Mouth Ulcers

While most post-surgery canker sores resolve within 7-10 days, some persist longer or require intervention if very inflamed or infected. Book a follow-up visit if you experience:

• Mouth ulcers lasting over 2 weeks
• Ulcers accompanied by fever or swelling
• Inability to swallow, speak or open your mouth
• Numbness or severe pain at extraction site

The dentist will examine your healing status, rule out complications like dry socket, and provide medications to curb infection or inflammation associated with lingering ulcers.

Cauterizing Ulcers

If mouth ulcers remain severe beyond a few visits, your dentist may chemically cauterize them. This briefly exposes ulcerated areas to silver nitrate to seal open tissues and avoid recontamination.

Medications

For wider or deeper ulcers the dentist may prescribe a special mouthwash, antibiotic swallow pills or topical paste to apply. Controlling secondary infection is key so oral wounds can finally heal normally.

He or she will also rule out underlying causes like vitamin deficiencies, immune disorders or gastrointestinal issues delaying healing.

Avoiding Future Extraction-Related Mouth Ulcers

Once your post-surgery mouth ulcers fully resolve, avoid recurrence in the future by:

• Practicing good daily oral hygiene
• Scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups
• Not smoking or chewing tobacco
• Eating a balanced, nutritious diet

Also, research careful tooth extraction aftercare before your procedure so you know what to expect. Preparation combined with diligent at-home wound care ensures youll sail through extraction recovery - minus the misery of mouth ulcers.

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.