Potential Complications Following A Tooth Extraction

Having a tooth removed is usually straightforward and recovery too. Occasionally though, complications can arise.

At the SG Dental and Implant Centre, we firmly believe that prevention is key to good oral health. By seeing our hygienist and dentist regularly, and by eating and drinking sensibly and cleaning your teeth and gums well, there is a good chance that you will have few problems with your teeth. Even when problems do occur, and this can happen even with the best home care in the world through accidents etc, we are here to help with the range of restorative treatments that we have available at our Burton clinic.

From a small filling to more complex treatments like root canal procedures, we aim to help you keep your own teeth for as long as possible. Despite this though, from time to time, teeth may need to be extracted for various reasons. Damage from accidents, decay or even just wear and tear over a long period of time might mean that removing a tooth is the best option available. Tooth replacement options such as dental implants are available so that you aren’t left with a gap in your teeth.

Generally speaking, removing a tooth is relatively straightforward, and, as long as the patient follows our aftercare instructions carefully, recovery should also be smooth. From time to time though, problems can occur following an extraction, and we are going to take a look at some of these in today’s blog.

Common issues

While not everybody will have these, they are relatively ‘normal’ and shouldn’t be a cause for major concern. Home treatment and time is usually sufficient for these problems to be resolved, although of course, we are always available to discuss them if you have any concerns.

These issues include the likes of slight discomfort and swelling, bleeding and bruising. The latter is more likely where surgical extractions have to be performed. We will discuss what to do about these following your treatment but they are usually temporary and not too severe.

Alveolitis

More commonly known as a ‘dry socket’, alveolitis can occur if a blood clot fails to form at the extraction site, or forms and then becomes dislodged. This can leave the bone at the site exposed and you may notice, a few days after your tooth extraction, that you are in considerable pain from it. If this happens, please don’t simply take painkillers and hope that the pain will go away, it is a relatively straightforward problem that can be treated with professional help and we will make sure that you are seen as soon as possible.

Infections

These are more likely to occur in people who smoke or those who have a compromised immune system, such as diabetics. Bacteria can enter the treatment site and may cause issues such as fevers, pus in the socket, and a bad taste in the mouth. Again, you will need to see a dentist to resolve this and it shouldn’t be ignored.

Nerve injury

This is very uncommon and is more likely to occur where an extraction has complications, such as might be the case in some wisdom teeth extractions. Even in this situation, it is still relatively rare and shouldn’t be of concern in most procedures. In the rare event that this does occur, any numbness etc of the lips, chin or tongue is likely to be temporary. However, please contact us immediately if you have concerns.

Sinus complications

Again, a rare problem that can occasionally occur when an upper rear tooth is removed as these are located close to the sinus cavity. This can very occasionally lead to exposure of the sinuses and we will discuss any professional help that may need to be sought if this does happen.

It should be emphasised that most of these problems are rare, especially when the extraction is carried out by an experienced team such as our own Burton family dentists. If you do find yourself in a part of the world where dental care is more ‘basic’ and are having problems with a tooth such as a significant toothache, we recommend that you get in touch with us for advice. We may be able to suggest ways to manage this until you can return and have the tooth treated or extracted by ourselves, rather than run the increased risk of complications and infections.

Our dentists are always happy to advise what will happen during any treatment if you wish them to do so. Not everybody does and we appreciate this, but if you have any questions at all about your treatment, please do ask us .. we are always happy to help.

For any general oral care information, or to make an appointment to see a dentist or hygienist at our practice, please call SG Dental and Implant Centre today on 01283 845345.