It can be unfortunate to get a wisdom tooth extracted to relieve pain, only to find out you have another complication to deal with. However, treating an infected gum after wisdom tooth removal is easy if you know what caused it to happen in the first place.
Causes of Gum Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After wisdom tooth removal, several things can lead to a gum infection:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing properly can cause bacteria to build up around the extraction site, increasing the risk of infection.
- Bacterial Contamination: The mouth has many bacteria and surgery can introduce harmful bacteria into the area, causing an infection.
- Dry Socket: If the blood clot that forms in the socket comes loose or doesn’t form correctly, it can expose the bone and nerves, making the area prone to infection.
- Food Impaction: Food can get stuck in the extraction site, leading to bacteria growth and infection if not cleaned out properly.
- Delayed Healing: Smoking, poor nutrition, or certain medications can slow healing and increase the chance of infection after surgery.
- Pericoronitis: If the wisdom tooth is partially impacted, it can cause swelling and infection of the surrounding gum tissue.
Signs of an Infected Gum Post Tooth Extraction
After wisdom tooth removal, it’s important to watch for signs of a gum infection. The following are the main symptoms to look out for:
- Ongoing Pain and Swelling: Some pain and swelling are normal, but if they keep getting worse, it could mean an infection.
- Pus or Discharge: If yellow or white pus comes out of the extraction site, it’s a sign of infection.
- Bad Taste or Breath: A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath that doesn’t go away, even with brushing, can indicate an infection.
- Fever and Tiredness: If you have a fever, chills, or feel generally unwell, it may mean the infection is spreading, and you need to see a doctor right away.
- Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: If it’s painful or hard to open your mouth, it could be a sign of infection in the area.
- New Swelling Around the Area: If swelling spreads to your face or neck, it’s important to get it checked by your dentist.
Treatment Options for an Infected Gum
After wisdom tooth removal, periodontists usually treat an infected gum by following these steps to clear the infection:
- Thorough Cleaning: The dentist will clean the area carefully to remove food, bacteria, and debris that might be causing the infection. This includes flushing out the extraction site and surrounding gums.
- Antibiotics: To fight the infection, antibiotics are often prescribed to kill the bacteria and reduce swelling.
- Antiseptic Rinses: Patients may be advised to use mouthwashes or saline solutions to help keep the area clean, reduce bacteria, and speed up healing.
- Pain Relief: Pain relievers, either over-the-counter or prescribed, may be recommended to manage discomfort from the infection.
- Surgical Treatment: If the infection is severe or keeps coming back, the periodontist might suggest removing the wisdom tooth if it hasn’t been taken out. They might also consider performing minor surgery to remove any inflamed gum tissue that may be trapping bacteria.
- Follow-up Care: Regular check-ups will be scheduled to make sure the infection is healing properly and to catch any potential issues early.
Final Word
Tooth extractions are safe and effective in preventing infections and decay. However, sometimes, mishappenings like a gum infection can occur. The internet is full of remedies, but you must consult a skilled periodontist instead of blindly using them.
Visit our board-certified periodontists at Perio Health Professionals. Our dental professionals have been catering to Houston’s dental needs since 1979. Call us at (346) 509-9060 to schedule an appointment.
