Gum infection adjacent to socket post wisdom tooth extraction

[Bewarethegeek]

Hi all,

About 3 weeks ago I had a completely erupted upper wisdom tooth extracted. It was a reasonably straight forward extraction other than a root snapping, which the dentist retrieved. I was sent on my way and told that antibiotics wouldn't be necessary and to rinse for 7 days with salt water, which I did.

Now, everything has seemed fine since then aside from some tenderness around the site which I figured was normal. I've been eating fine, no pain unless I actually poke, etc.

On Saturday I noticed that the gum surrounding tooth in front of the removed wisdom tooth had begun to swell. Since its a public holiday because of Easter I cannot get to my dentist until tues at the earliest if they can even see me so I began to rinse regularly again with salt water. This morning, while the big swelling is still there, it now seems to have a white head on it, like a giant pimple. It is not painful unless I poke it, aside from a very mild stinging in the soft tissue, and I feel physically well. Previous dental xrays from october show no problems with any of my other teeth and the dentist mentioned nothing on seeing the opg that i got for the wisdom tooth extraction itself.

However I am very concerned. What is this? Why has it occurred? Is salt water the best course of action until I can see a dentist?

[Bryanna]

Hi,

You may have what is called an aphthous ulcer or canker sore. These generally develop in the mouth and various other places from some sort of trauma or irritation. Oral surgery or hitting the area with your toothbrush or hard food could cause the ulcer to occur. You can do a google search to see what they look like and compare the photos to what you have. Or you could be developing an infection and the white area could be what is called a fistula. This is similar to a pimple and it appears to be on the surface but it is much deeper than just on the gum. Either way, it is important for your dentist to make the proper diagnosis.

Rinsing with warm salt water is best until you can see your dentist. Only use a pinch of salt and rinse 3-4 times a day. Avoid using any mouthwash, especially any that contains alcohol or harsh chemicals because this will just cause further irritation. Keep the area clean and continue to brush all of your teeth as usual to keep down the level of bacteria.

Please let us know how you're doing...

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Bewarethegeek

Hi all,

About 3 weeks ago I had a completely erupted upper wisdom tooth extracted. It was a reasonably straight forward extraction other than a root snapping, which the dentist retrieved. I was sent on my way and told that antibiotics wouldn't be necessary and to rinse for 7 days with salt water, which I did.

Now, everything has seemed fine since then aside from some tenderness around the site which I figured was normal. I've been eating fine, no pain unless I actually poke, etc.

On Saturday I noticed that the gum surrounding tooth in front of the removed wisdom tooth had begun to swell. Since its a public holiday because of Easter I cannot get to my dentist until tues at the earliest if they can even see me so I began to rinse regularly again with salt water. This morning, while the big swelling is still there, it now seems to have a white head on it, like a giant pimple. It is not painful unless I poke it, aside from a very mild stinging in the soft tissue, and I feel physically well. Previous dental xrays from october show no problems with any of my other teeth and the dentist mentioned nothing on seeing the opg that i got for the wisdom tooth extraction itself.

However I am very concerned. What is this? Why has it occurred? Is salt water the best course of action until I can see a dentist?

[Venusmscott]

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi,

You may have what is called an aphthous ulcer or canker sore. These generally develop in the mouth and various other places from some sort of trauma or irritation. Oral surgery or hitting the area with your toothbrush or hard food could cause the ulcer to occur. You can do a google search to see what they look like and compare the photos to what you have. Or you could be developing an infection and the white area could be what is called a fistula. This is similar to a pimple and it appears to be on the surface but it is much deeper than just on the gum. Either way, it is important for your dentist to make the proper diagnosis.

Rinsing with warm salt water is best until you can see your dentist. Only use a pinch of salt and rinse 3-4 times a day. Avoid using any mouthwash, especially any that contains alcohol or harsh chemicals because this will just cause further irritation. Keep the area clean and continue to brush all of your teeth as usual to keep down the level of bacteria.

Please let us know how you're doing...

Bryanna

Hello Bryanna, Forgive me if I'm not doing this in a correct manner. Iam New to the site. I was doing some research on the aftermath of wisdom tooth extraction, and came across the site. I was so pleased with the conversation between you and Jwang.

I'm in the Army and recently had 3 wisdom teeth removed. Before the procedure was done I knew and felt something was wrong. I have all the symptoms that J had, severe pain, knot in my lower right jaw, can't open my mouth. I haven't eaten for almost 2 weeks, besides some soup maybe once a day. I'm so scared I will never be able to open my mouth again.

I expressed my concerns to the dentist, and he told me it was infected, and that if by next week the antibiotics don't work, he may have to recut and go back in and drain the infection out. He still has yet to mention why I have a knot on my jaw, and why I can't open my mouth yet to do anything. I'm so afraid and don't trust them to do anything, but I don't wanna get worse.

What should I do. You seen so educated on these matters. Please help.

[Bryanna]

Hi V,

The post that you wrote is just fine

Based on your description, you had an infection in your lower right jaw.. pain, swelling... prior to the removal of this wisdom tooth. Extracting the tooth was important because that removed the source of the infection, but if you have the same symptoms as before, then you may still have the infection in the jawbone. It is important to see your oral surgeon if the symptoms have not subsided.

It is not unusual to have limited opening of the jaw for a few weeks after wisdom tooth removal. This is due to the swelling and inflammation in the jawbone and surrounding tissue. However, if you feel that you are not improving, then see the oral surgeon.

Let us know how you're doing!
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Venusmscott

Hello Bryanna, Forgive me if I'm not doing this in a correct manner. Iam New to the site. I was doing some research on the aftermath of wisdom tooth extraction, and came across the site. I was so pleased with the conversation between you and Jwang.

I'm in the Army and recently had 3 wisdom teeth removed. Before the procedure was done I knew and felt something was wrong. I have all the symptoms that J had, severe pain, knot in my lower right jaw, can't open my mouth. I haven't eaten for almost 2 weeks, besides some soup maybe once a day. I'm so scared I will never be able to open my mouth again.

I expressed my concerns to the dentist, and he told me it was infected, and that if by next week the antibiotics don't work, he may have to recut and go back in and drain the infection out. He still has yet to mention why I have a knot on my jaw, and why I can't open my mouth yet to do anything. I'm so afraid and don't trust them to do anything, but I don't wanna get worse.

What should I do. You seen so educated on these matters. Please help.