One of the main reasons to get an extraction is a tooth or gum infection. A dental abscess is a collection of pus inside the teeth or gums due to bacterial invasion. The human body has a natural mechanism to combat infection with the help of white blood cells. So, what happens to the abscess after tooth extraction? Read on to find your answers.
Let’s first overview what an abscess is, why it grows, and complications that tag along.
Abscess
Pus, or an abscess, is a thick fluid that is a collection of dead cells, bacteria, and tissues and presents in various colors depending on the site of infection.
The human body produces a substance called neutrophils which feeds on the bacteria, then gets metabolized naturally. The dead neutrophils make up the maximum amount of pus.
Types of abscess
There are two types of dental abscesses. One grows on the teeth, known as periapical abscess, and the other on gums, called periodontal abscess.
What happens to the abscess after tooth extraction?
The dentist will prescribe some antibiotics first to get rid of the infection if you already have it before the tooth extraction process.
Sometimes you can develop an infection or abscess after getting the tooth extraction. The reason for this is the availability of a new vulnerable site for the bacteria.
Since sterilization using mouthwash or anything else is prohibited in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours means ample time for bacteria to play.
The first marker of abscess formation after having a tooth extraction procedure is bleeding within forty-eight hours.
It is better not to ignore it and go to a dentist immediately. He will provide you with antibiotics or other treatment options according to the severity.
However, some practitioners prescribe antibiotics before any tooth extraction, even if there is no abscess. They do this to kill every possible bacteria left. The thought behind it is that more amount of anesthesia is required in germ presence.
Symptoms of infection after tooth extraction
- pain in the jaw
- tenderness
- warmth and redness
- swollen jaw
- fatigue
- swelling of gums
- puffed up glands of the neck
- teeth’s sensitivity to temperature
- fever
- throbbing pain in the jaw
- foul mouth odor
- metallic or bitter taste
- persistent pain even after the use of painkillers
Complications related to abscess formation
Infection or abscess formation is dangerous after getting the tooth extracted. It evolves into sepsis if left untreated.
It is a condition in which the infection breaks free from its origin and moves on to other parts of the body through blood circulation. Consequently, the bacteria moving through blood easily reaches other organs and starts shutting them down.
When to call your dentist
As soon as you observe any of the signs or symptoms listed above with difficulty in breathing or swallowing, pus oozing out, or blood discharge through the nose, immediately call your dentist.
Porter Smiles Dental are teeth experts in Porter Tx, just a call away. If your tooth extraction site has developed an abscess, immediately reach out to us at 281 519 7200 to set an appointment.