Getting a tooth pulled rarely causes complications, but here’s how to spot and prevent a bone infection
A tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures today. Although your dentist will make every effort to save a tooth, you may need to have the tooth pulled because it is severely decayed or broken. Wisdom teeth typically require extraction, as well. In many cases, removing an affected tooth enables your oral health and comfort to improve.
However, as with any oral surgery, complications can arise after tooth extraction. One such complication is the potential for a bone infection. Although a bone infection after a tooth extraction is extremely rare, it is still important to know the signs of an infection so you can receive immediate treatment if necessary. Here’s what to look for and what you can do to prevent an infection.
The signs of a bone infection
Tooth extraction is a rather straightforward procedure. Your dentist removes the tooth from its bony socket and you’re done! Afterward, you’ll experience temporary minor bleeding and pain that goes away after a day or two. You’ll recover and move on to the next steps of replacing the missing tooth.
However, a slight chance of infection may still occur after extraction. The gap left by the missing tooth may attract bacteria, and that bacteria could spread to the bone. Known medically as osteomyelitis, a bone infection after getting a tooth pulled will display these symptoms:
- Bleeding and pain that lingers a day or two after the extraction
- A foul taste or odor in the mouth
- Swelling and redness in the area around the extraction
- A high fever over 101
- A discharge from the extraction site
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Feeling tired
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should report them to your dentist immediately. Blood tests and X-rays can determine if the bone is infected.
Treatment: Antibiotics, surgery, or a combination of both may be needed to clear the infection. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft if the infection has caused significant bone damage. During this procedure, a bone from another body part replaces the damaged bone. Follow-up visits will determine how well the bone is healing following treatment.
Note: A bone infection is different from a dry socket. After an extraction, a blood clot covers the extraction site to protect the bone. If the clot becomes dislodged, a dry socket forms. While a dry socket causes severe pain, it’s not a sign of a bone infection.
Preventing a bone infection
To prevent a bone infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics after the extraction to kill bacteria before any infection develops. Tip: Take medications exactly as instructed.
Best practices for prevention:
- Keep the extraction site clean. Avoid brushing and rinsing your mouth for 12 hours after the extraction. After that time, rinse gently with a prescription mouthwash or warm salt water.
- Resume brushing and flossing carefully. When you start brushing again, avoid aggravating the extraction site until it’s fully healed.
- Maintain good oral hygiene before and after the procedure. The cleaner your mouth is, the lower your risk of infection.
Need dental care? See Espire Dental
Schedule an appointment with Espire Dental today! Our highly trained dentists have performed thousands of tooth extractions and will make the procedure as safe and pleasant as possible.
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