Possible Wisdom Teeth Complications
Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures, with several million Americans having one or more wisdom teeth extracted annually. A vast majority of the time, this routine surgical procedure is completed successfully, though, as with any surgical procedure, some complications could occur. The most commonly reported complications include bleeding, swelling, numbness, dry socket, and limited mouth mobility, though these complications can be prevented by closely following recommended aftercare procedures and seeing your dentist promptly if symptoms begin to appear.
Some amount of discomfort and swelling should be expected after any tooth extraction, including the wisdom teeth, though pain and swelling should subside within the first few days following the procedure. Your oral surgeon or dentist may prescribe pain medication, or they may recommend an over-the-counter pain medicine. If pain hasn’t subsided and remains severe after a few days, call your doctor so they can determine why and work toward solving the problem. It’s also normal for wisdom teeth extraction sites to bleed for the first few hours after the procedure, as it can take about a day for a blood clot to form in the surgical site. You’ll receive specific instructions to minimize bleeding and reduce irritation to the area, including a recommended diet and instructions for keeping the mouth clean. If bleeding persists beyond the first day following extraction, call your dentist.
One of the most notorious complications that could follow wisdom teeth extraction is a dry socket, which is officially called alveolar osteitis. Dry sockets form when the blood clot that encourages healing is dislodged from the socket that once held the wisdom tooth. When this happens, the nerve within the socket is exposed, and the pain can be excruciating. In general, a dry socket can develop within three to five days after wisdom teeth extraction, and the condition mostly appears in people who smoke. Dentists recommend refraining from smoking, and from any deep sucking motion, during healing, to prevent the throbbing, sharp pain of dry socket. If you do find yourself facing this uncomfortable condition, contact your dentist; they can clean the extraction site and cover the nerve, reducing discomfort and helping the socket to heal.
It’s not uncommon for patients to feel some discomfort or a feeling of restriction when opening their mouths following extraction. This makes sense, as it’s necessary to hold the jaw open for an extended period during surgery itself. If restricted jaw movement or discomfort when opening or closing the mouth persists, dentists can provide treatments to ease the process and help restore normal jaw function. While rare, it’s also possible for patients to feel numbness in their lips following a wisdom teeth extraction if the inferior alveolar nerve in the jaw sustains damage during surgery. This rare complication, when it does happen, is often temporary, though results may be permanent.
All potential risks or complications will be reviewed with you before your surgical procedure, and you’ll receive recommendations to reduce risk. Keeping the extraction site clean and caring for it properly can go a long way in preventing complications, though it’s important to follow all your dentist’s aftercare guidelines to ensure complete, comfortable healing. If you have specific concerns or questions about wisdom teeth complications, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or oral surgeon for detailed answers that can set your mind at ease.