Common Infections After Dental Surgery

Dental surgeries, like all surgeries, carry some amount of risk. Normally, you can rely on your dental surgeon to perform procedures competently to reduce the amount of risk. However, dental surgeries can sometimes cause painful infections, leading to further medical complications.

Common Types of Dental Infections After Surgery

Infections after dental surgery result from bacteria entering exposed tissue, leading to inflammation and an immune response. Dental infections can differ based on their location and severity. 

Infected Socket

When a dentist extracts a tooth, bacteria can grow in the exposed gum line, causing a painful infected socket. The bacteria causes redness and swelling in the exposed socket, which is accompanied by intense throbbing pain. Sockets can become infected during the procedure or afterward due to improper post-surgery sanitation or care. Infected sockets are most common after tooth extractions but can happen with any surgery that exposes the socket, even partially. 

Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis)

Bone infections after dental surgery are extremely dangerous and require immediate attention. Bone infections occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream through surgical wounds in the jaw. Bacteria in your bloodstream can cause sepsis, which can be fatal if you do not receive appropriate medical attention. The longer you wait, the greater the chances of developing septicemia.

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a condition in which jaw bone starts to decay, causing pain, pus discharge, and the loss of teeth. Osteonecrosis can occur when exposed bone becomes infected during oral and jaw surgery. It can also occur due to radiation therapy or as an adverse reaction to specific medications. 

Identifying a Tooth Infection

Your jaw or gums might be red, swollen, and sensitive to touch for a few days after surgery. However, the following signs may indicate the presence of an infection:

  • Swelling increases rather than subsidies
  • White or yellow pus discharge from surgical wounds
  • Pain gets worse
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Discolored tooth
  • Hot or metallic taste in the mouth
  • Fever
  • Bleeding for more than 24 hours
  • Sensitive tooth or jaw
  • Numbness or loss of feeling in tooth or jaw
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Most of the time, dental infections produce significant pain, so it is usually obvious something is wrong. However, a small number of infections do not cause pain, so it can be difficult to determine if something is wrong. You can reduce the risk of infection after dental surgery by following your surgeon’s post-op care routine and avoiding smoking, drinking, and other habits that can aggravate oral tissue. 

What Can I Do If I Get a Tooth Infection After Surgery?

Dental infections are a serious matter. If you suspect you have a dental infection after surgery, go to an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Dental infections are connected to a wide range of negative health outcomes, such as heart infections, stroke, and clogged arteries. An emergency dentist can provide the necessary antibiotics to stop the infection and prevent it from getting worse. 

After that, you should contact a dental malpractice attorney. If your infection resulted from negligence on the part of your dental surgeon, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. Compensation in a dental malpractice case can include money for any medical costs, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering you incurred. An attorney can investigate your case and determine your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries.

Dental and Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers Serving New York

Dentists are legally obligated to provide a standard level of care for their patients and are responsible when their neglect harms others. If you developed an infection after dental surgery, contact Lance Ehrenberg, Esq, online or call today for a free consultation with a dental malpractice attorney in New York.

About the Author
Of all the different areas in medical malpractice, it is podiatry malpractice that has had a particular interest to me. With 42 years practicing law and representing hundreds of victims of malpractice, I have created a law practice in which my clients are comfortable knowing that their case is being handled with my personal attention, in the most professional manner, and without unreasonable delays.