Possible Complications of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to grow naturally, it becomes impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth can result in numerous side effects such as:

• Pain
• Gum infection or periodontal disease
• Tooth decay
• Plaque build-up behind the tooth
• Damage to the nearby teeth
• Damage to the nearby jawbone
• Complications with orthodontic procedures
• Development of a fluid-filled sac around the tooth

To prevent the dental problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist might recommend removing them. Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure of removing one or more impacted wisdom teeth. An oral surgeon or general dentist can do the extraction.

Unfortunately, wisdom tooth extractionscomes with side effects and risks like any other surgical procedure. While we can always hope for normal healing and recovery, it’s essential to be informed about potential complications. Let’s look at the possible complications of wisdom teeth extraction:

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Complications

• Pain and swelling

Most patients report swelling and pain after surgery when undergoing wisdom tooth extraction. Fortunately, your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe medication to manage pain and swelling. Similarly, you can apply an ice pack to the cheek.

• Dry sockets

After wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll have gauze to bite. The gauze helps a clot to form and control the bleeding. If a clot dislodges accidentally before the wound heals, then the underlying nerves and tissues to air and saliva get exposed. It can cause irritation and pain in the socket.

According to research, a dry socket occurs about 10% after wisdom tooth extraction. You’re at a higher risk of developing a dry socket if you smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, suck using a straw, or spit forcefully. Similarly, engaging in strenuous physical activities can dislodge the clot and cause a dry socket.

• Discomfort or difficulty opening the mouth.

After a lengthy oral procedure, you are likely to experience discomfort or restrictions when opening your mouth. Most patients who undergo wisdom tooth extraction report experiencing tightness in the jaw muscles. Fortunately, the issue should fade away within a few days. Treatments such as pain medication, heat therapy, muscle relaxants, massage, and stretching can help ease the discomfort.

• Infection

After the wisdom teeth removal, swelling, fever, pus, and malaise indicate infection. While swelling is usually a normal side effect after extraction, you may have an infection if it lasts longer than three days or if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. Contact your dentist immediately or visit a dental clinic near you for emergency dental care.

• Excessive bleeding

For the next 30 minutes to a few hours, it’s normal to experience bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction. If bleeding persists or worsens, visit a dental office near you or contact our dentist in North Brunswick, NJ, for emergency dental care. To minimize bleeding, you should follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. These can include avoiding tobacco products, spitting, rinsing, sucking, and eating hard items.

• Sinus opening

An upper wisdom tooth can be near a sinus. Usually, there’s always a layer of bone separating the tooth and the sinus. An opening between the mouth and the sinus occurs if the bone is very thin and comes out during extraction.

It happens in about 1% of upper wisdom tooth removal. If this happens, you may feel congested and stuffy around your cheeks. You may also notice water coming through the nose. Fortunately, this opening heals without additional treatment.

• Lip numbness

In some cases, you can injure a nerve near a lower wisdom tooth during tooth removal. It can cause the lower lip or jaw to feel itchy or tingly. While it’s very rare, it’s possible. Fortunately, the numbness is temporary but can be permanent if the nerve damage is severe.

What to Seek Help

If you experience these symptoms or complications, visit a dental clinic near you or contact our dentist in New Brunswick, NJ. For more information about wisdom tooth extraction complications and aftercare, contact KK Dental – North Brunswick.