Top 4 Complications Associated with Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is generally considered a routine procedure with very little risk involved. However, in extreme instances there are a few complications that may arise.

As with any surgery, it’s always wise to talk with your dentist, oral surgeon, or healthcare advocate about any uncertainties you may have. You may even want to become more familiar with the following four problems yourself, and then inquire about your personal details with your dental practitioner.

Dry Sockets

When a blood clot doesn’t form in the socket after three to five days after wisdom teeth extraction, it is called a dry socket—and it’s very painful. Between 5% – 30% of wisdom teeth extraction patients experience the throbbing pain and inflammation of this after effect. To avoid dry socket, it is recommended to not do any of the following for at least three days after surgery:

• Smoking
• Exercise
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Drinking carbonated beverages 

Bruising and bleeding

After surgery, you will experience both bruising and bleeding—and it’s perfectly normal. Even 48 hours after surgery, you can expect to see small amounts of blood on the gauze in your mouth. What would be considered abnormal is an increase in bleeding six hours after surgery. If you experience excessive bleeding that doesn’t seem to slow down, seek medical treatment.

Swelling

Edema, or swelling, is perfectly normal after wisdom tooth extraction. You will most likely be sore at any injection points, in your jaw, around your face, and your sockets. Maximum swelling should happen between 48 to 72 hours after extraction. However, note that it isn’t normal if the swelling persists after three days, which could indicate an infection.   

Adverse reactions to medication

Drowsiness, nausea, itching on and in your mouth, and perhaps even vomiting are normal after surgery, but there are other adverse symptoms that may occur due to the anesthesia used.  These symptoms may include: asthma, airway blockage, allergic reactions, and in very extreme cases, seizure, stroke, or pulmonary edema. Again, discuss your personal risks with your surgeon. 

Is it True There’s a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Study in Utah?

If you would like to consider the option of no cost wisdom teeth removal, you may want to inquire about the clinical research studies being held in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Currently, Utah-based JBR Clinical Research is conducting a clinical trial on a wisdom teeth surgery and is accepting applications. Qualified participants may be compensated for time and travel.

Visit the JBR Clinical Research wisdom tooth clinical study page to learn if you may qualify for wisdom teeth extraction in Utah at no charge.