Wisdom tooth extraction is prescribed in certain conditions such as partial tooth eruption, incorrect tooth position, crowding, tooth damage, etc. The extraction of the affected wisdom tooth or teeth helps reduce the risk of future oral complications such as infection or periodontal diseases in surrounding teeth or gums.
In typical situations, once the tooth is extracted, a blood clot is formed at the site of tooth extraction. This clot acts as a protective layer over the underlying nerve endings and bone. It also provides the base for the growth of new bone and soft tissue. However, when this blood clot fails to develop, is dislodged or gets dissolved due to any reason before the site has healed, a dry socket is formed. Alveolar osteitis or dry socket is a common oral complication that can occur at the site of tooth extraction after the surgery.
Let’s understand when you should schedule a dentist appointment after you have had your tooth extracted and how to prepare for that dental appointment.
When Should You Schedule a Dentist Appointment?
After your tooth extraction surgery, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately:
- Fever
- Prescribed pain medications ineffective against pain
- Swelling and/or throbbing pain which worsens after several days
- Persistent numbness or tingling sensation
- Foul taste or oozing of pus from the extraction site
- Unable to open mouth even one week after the extraction surgery
These symptoms may indicate infection, nerve damage, dry socket, or other serious oral complications. Hence, it’s best to visit your dentist immediately if you experience any of these conditions post your tooth extraction surgery.
How Should You Prepare for Your Dental Appointment Post Tooth Extraction Surgery?
Once you schedule a dentist appointment, here’s what you should do to prepare yourself for it:
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- Make a list of your symptoms including those which may seem unrelated to your dental condition
- Note down your key personal information such as a history of any medical conditions, your regular medications including supplements, vitamins, etc.
- Write down the questions on your mind so that you get all your queries resolved. These may include the likely causes of pain, types of suitable treatments, medications, healing period, dietary changes and restrictions, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask questions which you feel can help clear doubts about your dental condition.
- You can expect a few generic questions from your dentist. These may be regarding the intensity and location of pain, any pain relievers you might have taken before consulting the dentist, other symptoms such as fever, which may seem unrelated to your dental pain, etc.
Simple tooth extractions heal within seven to ten days. If the dietary restrictions and other post-operative care instructions provided by the dentist are followed dedicatedly, the healing process may go smoothly without any complications. However, if the condition of your extraction site still worsens and the healing is negligible, consult your dentist immediately.
Prepared to make an appointment with your dentist regarding wisdom tooth extraction surgery or dry socket? Coral Dental Care is your go-to dentist in Salem, MA. Contact us to make an appointment today!
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health,recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.