Complications Associated With Tooth Extraction

If having a tooth extraction makes you nervous, know that it is a relatively common procedure associated with few risks. General dentists are skilled at keeping patients comfortable and safe during these procedures and providing helpful preparatory and aftercare instructions. However, complications do happen. Therefore, patients should be aware of them, know how to recognize them and learn what to do to help prevent them.

Complications associated with tooth extraction

Patients who follow their dentist’s directions are less likely to have problems. Still, here are some of the more common complications of a tooth extraction.

Dry socket

Sometimes, the blood clot that forms over the empty socket either does not form or becomes dislodged, increasing vulnerability to infection and delaying the healing process. This condition is called dry socket and is most likely to occur two or three days after the procedure. Symptoms of a dry socket can include extreme pain at the extraction site and a foul taste in the mouth. Also, patients may be able to see the exposed bone at the extraction site.

A patient can help prevent dry socket by avoiding smoking and strenuous activity after the procedure. Patients should not drink through a straw or spit vigorously as these activities can cause the blood clot to dislodge. Do not brush the extraction site, but gently rinse the area with a saltwater solution (remember not to aggressively spit the solution out).

Infection

Signs of an infection can vary by patient. Common ones include an increase in pain and swelling. The patient may notice a yellow or white discharge at the extraction site. Some patients may come down with a fever or flu-like symptoms. Patients should call their doctor immediately if they suspect an infection.

The instructions provided for preventing dry socket will also help guard against infection. Also, patients should tell their doctor if they are immunocompromised or have health conditions that make them more vulnerable. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure.

Excess bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is normal after tooth extraction. However, it should lighten after an hour or two. Normal bleeding should be manageable by biting down on gauze until it subsides. However, if bleeding continues to increase, contact the dentist immediately.

Patients should not take aspirin for pain after tooth extraction as it is a natural blood thinner. Also, patients should let their dentist know if they have any medical conditions or take any medications that increase bleeding. The dentist may opt to close the wound with stitches in certain cases.

Teeth shifting

This complication affects most patients who are missing a tooth. Teeth hold other teeth in place, and the teeth shift position when a tooth goes missing for a certain amount of time. This shifting can lead to misalignment, uneven spacing between teeth, and other issues.

However, this issue is easily preventable and treatable. A tooth replacement option such as a dental implant or bridge can fill the missing space and prevent this shifting. If teeth have already shifted, orthodontic treatment may be an option.