Discomfort After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Concerns

Discomfort after the extraction of horizontal wisdom teeth?

Hello, Doctor.
Last week, I scheduled an appointment at a very well-known dental clinic to have my lower left and upper left wisdom teeth extracted.
Since the lower left tooth was angled, they had to make an incision during the extraction.
A few days after returning home, I started to develop sores near the sutures, and I also began to experience pain in my left throat and ear, along with redness in my lower left gum.
Is this a complication or what could be causing it? In fact, on the day of the extraction, I only realized after removing the gauze and taking my medication that the doctor had left a suture needle in my mouth.
Could this possibly have caused an infection?

Ai Li Si, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/09

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Miss Alice,
Hello! Generally, dentists who are willing to extract your wisdom teeth are quite good! This is because most dentists do not extract horizontally impacted wisdom teeth due to the higher risks involved.
After the extraction, you should be cautious about bleeding for the first two days.
Following that, due to tension in the area, you may experience cracking at the corners of your mouth, which can trigger a viral response and lead to swelling for 4 to 7 days.
It is crucial to keep your teeth very clean within the first week and to use mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection.
Please communicate frequently with your dentist!
Thank you! Wishing you safety!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2017/09/09

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort and various symptoms, especially when the procedure involves surgical intervention, such as cutting into the gum tissue. The symptoms you are describing—mouth sores near the suture site, throat and ear pain, and redness in the gums—could be attributed to several factors, including normal post-operative healing, potential infection, or complications related to the surgical procedure itself.

1. Normal Healing Process: After the extraction of wisdom teeth, particularly those that are impacted or require surgical removal, it is typical to experience some level of discomfort, swelling, and soreness. The body goes through a healing process that can involve inflammation, which may lead to redness and tenderness in the surrounding tissues. Mouth sores can also develop as a result of irritation from the surgical site or from the stitches themselves.

2. Possible Infection: The presence of pain in the throat and ear, along with redness in the gums, raises the possibility of an infection. Post-operative infections can occur if bacteria enter the surgical site, which can happen if proper aftercare is not followed. Symptoms of infection may include increased pain, swelling, fever, or pus discharge from the extraction site. If you suspect an infection, it is crucial to contact your dentist or oral surgeon promptly.

3. Retained Suture Material: You mentioned that a suture needle was left in your mouth after the procedure. While it is generally uncommon for a dentist to leave suture material behind, if this occurred, it could potentially lead to irritation or infection. Retained foreign bodies can provoke an inflammatory response, leading to pain and discomfort. It is essential to inform your dentist about this issue, as they may need to remove the retained suture to alleviate your symptoms.

4. Referred Pain: The pain you are experiencing in your throat and ear could also be referred pain, which is common after dental procedures. The nerves in the jaw and those in the throat and ear are interconnected, so irritation or inflammation in one area can lead to pain in another. This phenomenon is often seen after wisdom tooth extractions.

5. Aftercare and Follow-Up: Proper aftercare is vital for a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth extraction. This includes following your dentist's instructions regarding pain management, oral hygiene, and dietary restrictions. If you are experiencing significant discomfort or if your symptoms worsen, it is essential to return to your dentist for a follow-up examination. They can assess the surgical site, check for signs of infection, and determine if any additional treatment is necessary.

In conclusion, while some discomfort is expected after wisdom tooth extraction, the symptoms you describe warrant further evaluation. It is crucial to communicate with your dental care provider about your concerns, especially regarding the retained suture and the possibility of infection. Early intervention can help prevent complications and promote a smoother recovery process.

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