Are you wondering what the chances of infection are after a tooth extraction? If you are getting ready to have a tooth extracted, rest assured that the chances of infection are low. That is if you carefully follow all of the post-operative instructions your dentist gives to you.
Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure, with two of the more common reasons for extracting a tooth being related to severe tooth decay and tooth trauma. When a tooth is pulled it leaves a hole where the tooth used to be, which needs to clot to prevent an infection. The clot acts as a barrier to any outside elements that can cause potential infections. If for some reason the clot is not able to form, then the area is going to become prone to getting an infection.
How does the infection after a tooth extraction start?
A mouth infection can start when bacteria are allowed to enter the space where the tooth used to be. The infection begins once the bacteria gets into the bloodstream. It is crucial that all dental patients follow their dentist's post-op instructions very carefully to avoid infection. It is vital to keep the area clean of debris and is essential for preventing future infection.
One of the more common reasons for why someone would experience an infection after having one or more of his or her teeth extracted is due to smoking too soon after having the procedure done. Smoking not only makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, but the act of smoking can also easily loosen the clot that is trying to form.
Signs of infection after extraction
When a tooth has been extracted, it is normal for the area to remain red and swollen for up to 48 hours. A little bit of bleeding is also normal and usually stops within eight hours of having the procedure done.
The following are signs that someone may have an infection after having a tooth extracted.
• Instead of the pain getting better from the extraction, it gets worse.
• The bleeding continues for more than 24 hours.
• Experiencing an unpleasant or foul smell coming from the mouth.
• Seeing discharge in or around the area.
• Any swelling of the gums does not begin to fade away after 24 hours.
How to get rid of infection after tooth extraction
To get rid of infection after having one or more teeth extracted, it is necessary to see a dentist so that they can prescribe antibiotics. The dentist will need to first perform a thorough examination to understand precisely what is taking place in the patient's mouth of the time. They will then decide which antibiotic will best fit their particular patient's infection-fighting needs.
Think you have an infection?
Whether you think you might have a tooth infection or are just looking for some beneficial information on what happens when you get your teeth extracted, we hope that you will give us a call so we can help you. Any kind of mouth infection is dangerous and therefore should be seen by an experienced dentist as soon as possible. If you need to make a consultation appointment, give us a call!
Request an appointment in our Chamblee dentist office here: https://chambleedental.com.
Dealing with problematic teeth is vital to your current and future oral health, and sometimes this includes tooth extraction. Various dental issues can necessitate an extraction, but it is also important to note that not replacing the extracted tooth or teeth can harm your dental health. However, there are several methods and options to consider…
It can be hard to know exactly how to recover properly after tooth extraction. Long ago, there was a lot of pain involved afterward, however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of less invasive techniques, which results in less swelling and less pain. Nonetheless, there are still a few things to consider after tooth…
Tooth extraction, or dental extraction, is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. There are many different reasons that a dentist may recommend tooth extraction, and it can be performed on any tooth inside the mouth. It is helpful to understand why a dentist may recommend it and how it can help your long-term…
Sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary. This procedure is not an easy thing to do, but it is often crucial for maintaining oral health, especially when leaving the affected tooth could cause other, usually much more severe health concerns. Some of the reasons for tooth extraction can be avoided with preventive care like dental checkups…
A broken tooth can be the result of many things, such as getting hit in the face while playing a contact sport. The severity of a broken tooth determines if it counts as a dental emergency. Minor breaks that only affect the outer layer of a tooth can wait a few weeks for treatment, but…
Clear braces are very similar to traditional metal braces, except clear braces have either tooth-colored or clear brackets. These brackets are made out of ceramic or another similar material. Because the brackets and wires blend in with your teeth, this type of braces offers a nearly unnoticeable solution for straightening your teeth, no matter what…