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What Are the Signs of Infection After Tooth Extraction?
Posted on June 14th, 2023
While most tooth extractions heal without complications, infections aren’t uncommon. Knowing the signs of infection after tooth extraction can help you act quickly and avoid more serious problems.
In this guide, we’ll explain what normal healing looks like, how to recognize tooth extraction infection symptoms, and when it’s time to contact your dentist.
Tooth infections can become an emergency if left untreated. If you think you may have an infection, contact our emergency dentists right away.
What's Normal After a Tooth Extraction?
After a tooth extraction, your body immediately begins healing. Mild discomfort, swelling, and light bleeding are normal during the first few days. You may also notice tenderness in the jaw or surrounding gums. These symptoms should gradually improve each day.
However, if your pain worsens or new symptoms appear several days after the procedure, it could signal an infection. Understanding the difference between normal healing and infection is key.
Common Signs of Infection After Tooth Extraction
An infection occurs when bacteria enter the extraction site and begin to multiply. This can happen if food debris becomes trapped or if the immune system is compromised.
Some of the most common signs of infection after tooth extraction include:
- Persistent pain that does not improve or becomes more intense after the first few days
- Pain that radiates to the ear, neck, or jaw
- Significant swelling that continues to increase, especially if accompanied by warmth or redness
- A bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away with brushing or rinsing
- Persistent bad breath
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our Chicago emergency dentist today.
Tooth Extraction Infection Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Beyond pain and swelling, there are other symptoms that suggest an infection may be developing. Fever is one of the most important signs. A low-grade fever shortly after surgery can be normal, but a continuing or rising fever is not.
Another concerning symptom is discharge from the extraction site. Pus may appear white, yellow, or green and may be visible around the socket or on your pillow after sleeping. If you press gently near the area and fluid appears, this is a strong sign of infection.
Difficulty opening your mouth, known as trismus, can also be linked to infection, especially after wisdom teeth removal. Stiffness that worsens rather than improves should be evaluated by a dentist.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw may also occur as your body tries to fight the infection. These nodes may feel tender or firm to the touch.
Infection in Wisdom Teeth Removal: Why It’s More Common
Infections are more likely after wisdom teeth removal than routine extractions. Wisdom teeth are often partially erupted or impacted, which makes the surgical site more complex and harder to keep clean during healing.
Food particles and bacteria can become trapped in the socket, especially in lower wisdom teeth. Because the area is farther back in the mouth, patients may struggle to brush or rinse effectively, increasing the risk of infection.
Symptoms of infection in wisdom teeth removal may also include increased jaw stiffness, severe throbbing pain, or swelling that extends into the cheek or neck. In rare cases, untreated infections can spread beyond the mouth, which is why early treatment is so important.
Tooth Extraction Infection Pictures: Knowing What to Look For
Many patients search for tooth extraction infection pictures online to compare symptoms. While images can sometimes help you understand what an infection looks like, they aren’t always reliable. Every mouth heals differently, and early infections may not look dramatic.
Rather than relying solely on pictures, it’s better to pay attention to how you feel. Increasing pain, foul taste, swelling, fever, or discharge are more meaningful signs than appearance alone. When in doubt, contacting your dentist is always the safest choice.
How Are Tooth Extraction Infections Treated?
Treatment depends on how severe the infection is. In mild cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and recommend specific rinsing instructions to keep the area clean.
If debris is trapped in the socket, the area may need to be gently cleaned or flushed. In more advanced cases, additional treatment may be necessary to fully remove infected tissue and promote proper healing.
The earlier an infection is treated, the easier it is to resolve. Delaying care can lead to more discomfort, longer healing time, and more complex treatment.
How to Reduce the Risk of Infection
Following post-extraction instructions carefully plays a big role in preventing infection. Avoid smoking, using straws, or disturbing the clot in the extraction site. Keep the area clean with gentle rinses as directed, and maintain good oral hygiene without brushing directly over the site until advised.
Eating soft foods and staying hydrated also support healing. If you were given medications, take them exactly as prescribed.
When to Call Your Dentist
If you notice worsening pain after the first few days, swelling that doesn’t go down, fever, pus, or a persistent bad taste, don’t wait. These are clear signs of tooth extraction infection that should be treated promptly.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s better to have it checked early rather than risk complications.
Get Emergency Dental Care in Chicago
If you’re experiencing symptoms of infection after a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal, the team at Windy City Family Dental is here to help. Located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, we provide attentive, compassionate, emergency dental care to keep your recovery on track.
Call (312) 236-8065 today to get the care you need and protect your oral health. Early treatment can make all the difference in a smooth, comfortable recovery.
