The removal of wisdom teeth is in most cases very similar to the process of removing any other teeth, with some discomfort or even mild pain involved, but without any severe suffering. However, in very severe cases, when the wisdom tooth is impacted or infected and the removal requires extensive cutting and drilling, the patient might experience mire discomfort for a couple of days. Here are a few things to know about what to expect after wisdom tooth extraction Buffalo Grove area:
- Some discomfort and minor swelling is normal – swelling and some tenderness in the surgical area is normal with any dental extraction, wisdom tooth extractions included. The discomfort can usually be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and go away on their own in a few days;
- Dry socket syndrome – when a tooth is extracted, the body produces a large blood clot in the gap left behind. The purpose of the clot is to promote the healing of the surgical wound and to prevent infections. However, the clot can easily be lost – a stronger pulling or a chewing movement is enough to dislodge it. When that happens, the surgical wound becomes exposed and it usually becomes infected, with severe pain, bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth starting three or four days after the extraction. The problem can be treated with antibiotics and professional cleaning by the doctor, so if you present the symptoms, call your oral surgeon right away.
