Brown Saliva Two Weeks After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Is It Normal?

Q: Brown Saliva Two Weeks After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Is It Normal?

Hello： If you still have a fever after 48 hours, it usually indicates an infection. <br>However, since it has been over two weeks since your tooth extraction and you do not have any significant redness, swelling, heat, pain, or bleeding, it is advisable to relax, as wisdom tooth

Two weeks after wisdom tooth extraction, there is still brown saliva?

Two weeks ago, I had my upper left wisdom tooth extracted.
The doctor mentioned that it was very close to the sinus and advised me to sneeze with my mouth open.
I have been trying to follow this advice because I have been experiencing brown saliva.
When I went to have my stitches removed this week, I told the doctor about my concerns, and he responded that the wound was healing normally and cleaned the area around the wound.
However, a few days later, I still noticed the brown saliva, and I do not have a fever, nor does the wound hurt.
Occasionally, I experience swelling and pain in my face up to my temples (which is not continuous).
Could this be a sign of infection, or is it a normal part of the healing process? I am very worried about the possibility of a bacterial infection leading to other health issues.

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/11

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: If you still have a fever after 48 hours, it usually indicates an infection.
However, since it has been over two weeks since your tooth extraction and you do not have any significant redness, swelling, heat, pain, or bleeding, it is advisable to relax, as wisdom tooth extraction is considered a minor surgery, and it may take several weeks to months for your body to fully recover.
You can inform your doctor about any changes in the color of your saliva, and further tests may be considered.
This is a response from Dr.
Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/02/11

More Info

After a wisdom tooth extraction, it is not uncommon to experience some unusual symptoms during the healing process. In your case, the presence of brown saliva two weeks post-extraction, along with occasional swelling or discomfort around the temple area, raises some important considerations.

First, it's essential to understand that after a tooth extraction, particularly a wisdom tooth that is impacted or close to the sinus cavity, the healing process can vary significantly from person to person. The brown color in your saliva could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that it may be due to old blood that has mixed with saliva, which can happen during the healing process. This is particularly common if there was significant bleeding during or after the extraction. If the extraction site is healing well and there is no active bleeding, this could be a normal part of the healing process.

However, you mentioned that you have been experiencing occasional swelling and discomfort in the area around your temple. While this may not necessarily indicate an infection, it is a symptom that should not be ignored. Infections can occur after dental procedures, especially if there was a complication during the extraction or if proper aftercare instructions were not followed. Signs of infection typically include increased pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes fever. Since you are not experiencing fever or persistent pain, it may suggest that an infection is not present, but it is still essential to monitor your symptoms closely.

Given that your dentist has already assessed the healing site and indicated that it looks normal, it is a positive sign. However, if the brown saliva persists or if you start to notice any new symptoms, such as increased swelling, pain, or fever, it would be prudent to return to your dentist for a follow-up evaluation. They may want to perform a more thorough examination to rule out any potential complications, such as dry socket or infection.

In addition, the occasional swelling you are experiencing could be related to the healing process itself, especially if the extraction was complicated or if there was significant manipulation of the surrounding tissues. Swelling can sometimes occur as part of the body's natural inflammatory response to surgery. However, if the swelling worsens or becomes painful, it could indicate a need for further investigation.

In summary, while brown saliva two weeks after wisdom tooth extraction can be a normal part of the healing process, especially if there is no active bleeding or severe pain, it is essential to remain vigilant. If you notice any changes in your symptoms or if you have concerns about the possibility of an infection, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for further advice. They can provide you with the best guidance based on a thorough examination of your specific situation. Remember, your health and peace of mind are paramount, and seeking professional advice is always a wise decision when in doubt.

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