Common Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Tomball, TX

Has your dentist recommended you remove your wisdom teeth? Are you losing sleep worrying about how painful the surgery will be? Or whether you’ll face complications or not? 

While worrying about all these questions may be normal, you can relax knowing this blog is here. Let’s discuss the complications people commonly face after wisdom teeth removal. 

1. Dry Socket: The Most Frequent Issue

One of the most painful conditions patients can experience after teeth extraction is losing the blood clot at the extraction site. This stops healing, and whatever they eat or drink comes into contact with the exposed nerves and bone. It already sounds painful, doesn’t it? 

Rinsing your mouth too vigorously, using straws, or smoking increases the risk of dislodging the clot. The only way to prevent this is to be careful of what you eat or do with your mouth, apply prescribed medicine at the operation site, and follow an oral hygiene routine.  

2. Swelling and Bruising: Normal but Uncomfortable

While post-extraction swelling is common, no one can prepare you for the discomfort it brings with it. The patient’s face starts to swell around 48 hours post-surgery, and the swelling may last up to a week. During this time, eating, talking, or swallowing turns into a painful venture that the patient wants to get rid of as soon as possible. 

Ice packs can help reduce inflammation if the patient uses them on the surgery site during the first 24 hours. However, be prepared to handle bruising on the jaw or cheeks. But worry not! It may fade within a few days.

3. Infection: When Bacteria Cause Trouble

Any oral surgery poses a great risk of being infected. The common signs of wisdom teeth extraction site infection include fever, swelling that makes opening your mouth painful, pus, or foul breath.

• Poor oral hygiene or accumulated food debris in the socket can cause severe infections. The only solution to lower your risk of infection is antibiotics. 
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for healing and disinfection.

4. Nerve Damage: A Rare but Notable Concern

A not-so-common side effect of wisdom teeth extraction is temporary numbness in the tongue, lips, or chin. It makes talking, eating, or regular activities involving the mouth or jaw uncomfortable. 

Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve may cause this. The prolonged tingling or loss of sensation can be terrifying to patients. While most cases resolve within weeks, persistent numbness needs an immediate dental consultation.

The only way to prevent this is to schedule your removal with a skillful dentist. Precision during extraction minimizes the risk of tooth nerve damage.

5. Jaw Stiffness and Difficulty Opening the Mouth

Also known as trismus, this condition results from muscle inflammation. When the patient struggles to open his mouth, he might be suffering from this. Practicing gentle jaw exercises or warm compresses on the jaw relaxes muscles, improves muscle flexibility, and reduces stiffness.

Healing after wisdom teeth removal varies for everyone, but awareness of possible complications ensures a better recovery. If severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or infection symptoms develop, seek dental care without delay. A smooth recovery starts with proper aftercare and following professional guidance.