POSSIBLE WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL COMPLICATIONS

The removal of wisdom teeth is an extremely common procedure and usually goes well without any issues. However, it is possible for complications to occur following surgery. Up to a third of patients report complications from their wisdom tooth removal. Understanding the possible outcomes can help patients effectively handle and prevent them. We will discuss five of the most common complications associated with wisdom teeth removal.

Dry Sockets

Following the removal of a tooth, a blood clot forms over where the extraction took place. This occurs as part of the normal healing process. It is possible for alveolar osteitis, commonly known as “dry sockets”, to develop when the blood clot is dislodged. Dry sockets are more common in smokers and are also more likely to occur in the lower jaw than the upper. Signs of a dry socket include an intense, throbbing pain and bad smell or taste. Once the dry socket is diagnosed, the dentist will clean any debris and cover it with medicated gauze.

Pain and Swelling

Pain and swelling are to be expected following the removal of a tooth. The amount will vary drastically for each patient. In a study by the American Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, men reported less pain in comparison to women. While pain can be subjective, the study stated that 53% of patients had mild pain and 47% had severe pain the first day after surgery. Fortunately, only 15.2% had severe pain a week after surgery. The amount of pain and swelling a patient experiences may be associated with the duration of the surgery itself. Your dentist may also recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medications, follow a soft diet and avoiding strenuous physical activity to expedite the healing process.

Trismus

Following prolonged dental procedures such as an extraction, patients can experience trismus, also known as a limited ability to open the mouth. Patients who are most likely to experience this condition are 17 to 25 year olds. This condition is especially common for patients who have an impacted wisdom tooth. Your dentist will work to identify the underlying cause of this problem. They can also help guide you on the use of heat therapy, pain medications, muscle relaxants and jaw opening devices to help resolve the issue.

Excessive Bleeding

Approximately 30% of patients experience excessive bleeding the first day following the extraction of wisdom teeth. The amount of bleeding is highly dependent on the location and position of the tooth being removed. To help reduce the chances of bleeding after surgery, patients should avoid smoking, rinsing the mouth, spitting and undertaking strenuous activity for one day following treatment.

Lip Numbness

The wisdom teeth are close to the inferior alveolar nerve which runs through the jaw. If the nerve is damaged during an extraction, it can result in lip numbness. The likelihood of this occurring is quite low. This complication often resolves itself within a few months. Your dentist or oral surgeon will minimize the chance of any nerve damage during the extraction and will inform you any risks you have prior to your surgery.

The American Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery conducted a study and found that the risk for complications from wisdom teeth removal was highly dependent on the patient’s age, gender, overall health, medications, oral hygiene, smoking habits and location of the wisdom tooth.

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