Bone Infection after Tooth Extraction: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Most people are scared of having their tooth extracted, but tooth extraction is usually safe with modern technology. However, some complications such as a bone infection may arise after tooth extraction.

If you want to get a tooth extraction but concerned about developing complications after the procedure, below are things to look out for. As you read my blog post, you’d also get information on preventing and treating complications that may arise after a tooth extraction, so you know what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure.

Potential complications after a tooth extraction

If you have a dental condition that needs a tooth extraction, the dental professional will remove the tooth from its socket in your upper or lower jawbone. The bone needs to heal after the tooth extraction, and during the healing period, some complications such as infection and dry socket may occur.

Common complications following a tooth extraction include:

• Dry socket

Dry socket is a common complication after extracting a tooth. It occurs when blood clots dislodge from the space left by the extracted tooth. Blood clots usually act as a bandage in the mouth during the healing process following a tooth extraction. When the clots are absent, it exposes the nerves, causing discomfort.

If you can see the bone in the socket from where you removed a tooth or have severe pain days after your tooth extraction, visit your dentist immediately.

• Infection in the mouth

Mouth infection is common after tooth extraction. Infection after a tooth extraction occurs because the procedure increases the chances of bacteria entering the body. Common signs of a mouth infection include tenderness in the jaw, gum line, neck, fever, bitter or sour taste, bad breath, sensitivity to cold and heat.

Visiting your dentist on time increases the chances of treating the complication and reduces further complications.

Bone infection after a tooth extraction

Bone infection after a tooth extraction rarely occurs, but you can develop this complication, which is usually severe. The clinical term for this complication is osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis occurs in the mouth when the open wound after an extraction gets contaminated, and the bacteria spread to the underlying bone.

Its symptoms are similar to other dental infections, and they include:

• Fatigue and weight loss
• Tenderness, pain and swelling in the affected area
• Fever
• Redness and warmth on the affected area

If you notice these symptoms after your tooth extraction, contact your dentist immediately for treatment.

Prevention and treatment

Treating a bone infection after a tooth extraction would depend on the extent of the infection. In some instances, surgery will be necessary to drain and clean the infected site, then antibiotics will be recommended. Some people may need only antibiotics, while others may need a bone graft to transplant bone to the affected area. The transplanted bone will repair and rebuild the damaged bone.

You would need regular follow-up appointments with the dentist if you had a bone infection after your tooth extraction to ensure your bone remains healthy.

Preventing infection after your tooth extraction is the best, and taking antibiotics can help you achieve this. Having a good oral hygiene routine involving flossing daily, visiting the dentist regularly, and brushing can help prevent infection after your tooth extraction.

You can avoid complications after your tooth extraction by visiting your dentist immediately you notice signs of a dry socket or infection.

Before deciding to extract your tooth, visit an emergency dentist in London to get proper advice regarding your tooth extraction.

You can visit www.emergencydentistinlondon.co.uk/  today to schedule an appointment to extract your tooth and get quality aftercare to prevent any kind of complications.