Had Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted? 4 Signs Of Infection You Should Be Aware Of
Wisdom teeth are those 13th molars located in the back of your mouth. Dentists will remove them once they begin to cause problems such as over-crowding. If you've just had your wisdom teeth removed, you'll need to follow your post-operative instructions carefully. Those instructions will help ensure that your mouth heals properly and that you don't develop any post-operative infections. While you're healing from the procedure, it's important that you contact your dentist if you develop any of the symptoms described below.
Increased Swelling
It's normal to experience swelling in your mouth and gums for a few days after having your wisdom teeth extracted. To help reduce normal swelling, you should rinse with salt water several times a day while the wound site is healing. If the swelling doesn't decrease, or you notice a drastic increase in the amount of facial swelling you're experiencing, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Increased Pain in Your Mouth and Jaw
Following the procedure, you're going to experience some pain. Your dentist may prescribe a mild pain killer for you, or they may tell you to use over-the-counter pain medication. The pain should begin to subside in a day or two after the procedure. If you're noticing that the pain is not dulled by the medication, or it begins to increase, you should talk to your dentist. You should also talk to your dentist if the pain begins to spread through your face and jaw.
Fevers That Don't Go Away with Medication
If you develop a fever following the procedure, you should take an over-the-counter fever reducer. If the fever doesn't decrease following the medication, or it continues to rise, you should talk to your dentist. This is particularly true if no one else in your home is sick.
Rapid Onset of Bad Breath
If you've developed a serious case of bad breath, or you have a foul taste in your mouth, you may have an infection. The bacteria present in infections often cause foul odors. Take a look at the wound site. If you see swelling, redness, or a thick discharge, you should notify your dentist immediately.
Now that you've had your wisdom teeth extracted, you need to watch for infection around the wound site. If you develop any of the symptoms described here, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. You may have an infection that will need to be treated. Contact a clinic, such as Belgrade Dental Associates, for more information.
