Complications After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: When to Seek Help

Wisdom tooth extraction?

Hello, doctor.
I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted at the clinic on Friday, but the tooth broke in half during the procedure.
It was extremely uncomfortable and lasted for an hour and a half.
The doctor suggested that I wait for the remaining part of the tooth to come out on its own before considering another extraction.
I returned to the clinic on Saturday for a follow-up, and the doctor said the wound was healing well, so I felt relieved.
However, starting Sunday, I noticed a bad taste in my mouth, and the pain from the extraction site began to spread, even reaching my neck and throat on the upper right side.
On Monday, I went to a large hospital for further evaluation.
The doctor there worked for over an hour to remove the fragments, but there were still small pieces tightly adhered to the nerve that were not fully addressed.
The doctor explained that due to the limited space, the remaining fragments could cause future issues, so they scheduled me to return in a week to have the stitches removed.
However, on Tuesday evening, I started experiencing pain in my neck and throat on the upper right side.
The doctor at the large hospital explained that this was due to inflammation from the wisdom tooth.
I have been taking my medication as prescribed, but if the pain continues to worsen, should I seek immediate medical attention? Currently, I have numbness in my cheek where the lower right wisdom tooth was removed, and it feels like the anesthesia has not worn off in the adjacent teeth.
Is this normal?

Qianhui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/01

Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan reply Dentistry

Dear user,
Based on your description, you underwent a surgical extraction of your lower right wisdom tooth due to a fracture and sought treatment at a major hospital.
The fractured portion of the tooth was removed.
Post-operatively, you are experiencing throat pain in your neck, and numbness in the cheek and adjacent teeth on the same side as the extracted wisdom tooth.
It is recommended that you monitor the numbness to see if it improves as the swelling and pain subside.
Post-surgery, the swelling of the cheek and gums may cause temporary numbness, which typically improves as the pain decreases.
However, if the numbness persists, you should return to your dentist for further evaluation and explanation.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2015/12/01

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is not uncommon to experience some discomfort and complications. Your situation, where the extraction process was complicated by a partially broken tooth and subsequent pain radiating to your neck and throat, raises several important considerations.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that complications can arise after wisdom tooth extraction, especially when the tooth is impacted or broken. Common complications include dry socket, infection, nerve injury, and incomplete removal of tooth fragments. The symptoms you describe, such as the foul odor from your mouth and the pain spreading from the extraction site to your neck and throat, could indicate an infection or inflammation in the area.

The fact that you experienced significant discomfort during the extraction and that the procedure took longer than usual suggests that the extraction was complex. When a tooth is broken or impacted, it may require more extensive surgical intervention, which can lead to increased trauma to the surrounding tissues. This trauma can result in swelling, pain, and sometimes nerve irritation, which may explain the numbness you feel in your cheek and the adjacent teeth.

Regarding the pain radiating to your neck and throat, this could be a referred pain from the extraction site or a sign of a more serious complication, such as an infection that has spread beyond the immediate area. It is important to monitor your symptoms closely. If the pain worsens, if you develop a fever, or if you notice increased swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a serious infection that may require further treatment, such as antibiotics or additional surgical intervention.

As for the numbness you are experiencing in your cheek and adjacent teeth, this can occur if the nerve that supplies sensation to these areas was irritated or damaged during the extraction. While some degree of numbness can be normal after such procedures, it should gradually improve over time. If the numbness persists or worsens, it is essential to follow up with your dentist or oral surgeon to evaluate the situation further.

In terms of when to seek help, you should consider the following indicators:
1. Increased Pain: If your pain escalates despite taking prescribed medications, it may indicate an infection or other complications.

2. Fever: A fever can be a sign of infection and should prompt immediate medical attention.

3. Swelling: If you notice significant swelling that does not improve or worsens, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider.

4. Numbness or Tingling: If the numbness in your cheek or teeth does not improve or gets worse, you should seek further evaluation.

In summary, while some discomfort and complications can be expected after wisdom tooth extraction, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience worsening pain, fever, or persistent numbness, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Your health and comfort are paramount, and addressing any complications early can help prevent more serious issues down the line. Always communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and concerns to ensure you receive the best possible care.

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