10 Signs You May Have an Infection After a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are fairly common. Whether it’s dead from tooth decay, damaged from an accident, or needs removal to make way for other teeth, many people will need a tooth extraction at some point in their lives. 

Infections after tooth extractions are rare, but they can happen. Do you know the signs of infection after a tooth extraction? What can you do to prevent gum infection after a tooth extraction? 

Summit Dental Partners will give you detailed instructions on caring for your gums and preventing an infection following a tooth extraction. Still, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of infection after a tooth extraction. 

How Long Does Pain Last After a Tooth Extraction?

Pain is common after a tooth extraction, but we want to make you as comfortable as possible. We will numb your mouth during the procedure or provide anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain. In some cases, we leave the hole packed but open. In other cases, we may close the hole by stitching it using dissolvable stitches. 

Things may start to get uncomfortable with tooth extraction pain afterward. Don’t worry! We will send you home with instructions to help alleviate your pain and heal faster. 

Generally, your mouth will feel sore for 2-3 days after a tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth extractions may take a little longer because they’re larger or possibly embedded, possibly 3-4 days. After a few days, your pain levels should improve each day. The pain usually disappears after about a week. 

How Long Do Stitches Take to Dissolve In the Mouth?

We may stitch your gums if the hole is too wide to close on its own. In most cases, we use dissolvable stitches that don’t need to be removed. 

How long does it take for oral stitches to dissolve? Stitches usually dissolve within 5-7 days. They can fall out in as little as two days or up to two weeks. Contact us if your stitches are still there after two weeks. 

What Causes Infection After a Tooth Extraction?

Proper care is essential after a tooth extraction to avoid two potential problems: infection and dry socket. A dry socket is when the clot that forms in the open hole comes out, exposing the tissue and bone. Infection happens when bacteria get into the wound and cause inflammation.

Infection can happen if the wound isn’t cared for properly. You need to keep the wound clean. We will either send you home with a cleansing rinse or recommend you rinse several times a day with warm salt water to cleanse the wound. 

We may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection while the wound heals. You must take all the antibiotics according to directions, even if you no longer have pain or you think the wound has healed. 

What Is a Dry Socket?

A clot will form in the open wound after a tooth extraction. This clot will cover the wound and bone and keep them safe from bacteria. A dry socket results from that clot coming out of the wound. 

Contact us right away if you see the bone exposed or the clot gone from the open wound. This leaves your bone and tissue unprotected, which can lead to infection. We will need to replace that clot to keep your wound safe.

 

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Signs of Infection After Extraction

Do you know the signs and symptoms of a tooth infection after extraction? It’s normal to have swelling after tooth extraction or pain after extraction. You will likely have both for a couple of days after the procedure. If both get worse, however, they may be signs of infection.

Here are the signs and symptoms of infection after a tooth extraction:

  • Pain gets worse after getting better
  • Facial swelling worsens after a couple of days
  • Swollen glands
  • Swelling and redness in the gum tissue
  • Pus in and around the extraction site
  • Bad breath
  • Bad taste or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Bleeding resumes or continues beyond a day or so
  • Fever
  • Trouble eating, chewing, talking, or breathing

In some cases, patients can also go from intense pain in the jaw and face to numbness. If any of these symptoms pop up, call your dentist right away. 

Preventing Infection After a Tooth Extraction

What are the best ways to prevent tooth extraction infection? The best way is to follow our post-procedure instructions. 

  • Avoid smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products. 
  • Do not use straws or suck on anything — it could dislodge the clot, causing a dry socket. 
  • Rinse your mouth as prescribed to keep the site clean. 
  • Avoid spicy foods or extremely hot or cold, which can irritate the wound.
  • Avoid carbonated drinks or alcohol. 
  • Brush and floss your teeth regularly, but be gentle, particularly around the wound. 
  • Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure. 
  • Take any antibiotic medication prescribed to you. 

Practicing good oral hygiene after your tooth is removed is important to keep the bacteria count low in your mouth. You can use your fluoride toothpaste during the healing process, though mouthwashes with alcohol may be painful on the wound. Poor oral hygiene after extraction could lead to infection. 

Following these instructions will help promote healing. We also want you to take pain medication if you are uncomfortable. However, if your pain does not get better after a couple of days or you see other signs of infection, contact us. 

 

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Tooth Extractions in Summit, NJ

Infections can be serious, but they can also be avoided. Our goal at Summit Dental Partners is to make your experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Follow the instructions we give you and keep in touch, and we will guide you through the process. 

Schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction in the Summit, NJ, area with Summit Dental Partners. Let us take care of you!