After a tooth has been extracted, the patient will still feel pain. This is a completely normal reaction of the body to trauma. However, there is one nuance! The pain should subside within 1–2 days. If the patient feels it longer – this is not normal. Unfortunately, in 3–5% of cases, gum inflammation occurs after tooth extraction. This article explains this process.
Signs of normal wound healing after tooth extraction
Before discussing complications after tooth removal, it is important to understand how healing should ideally occur after surgery.
After the dentist removes a tooth, a socket forms at the site with a blood clot inside. It should remain there until healing occurs. The clot forms a protective barrier against infection, thereby preventing inflammation. Additionally, some swelling appears.
About 4 days after extraction, the gum recovery process begins and the swelling decreases. But there is an exception. For example, gum inflammation after wisdom tooth removal may last 10 days. This is because “wisdom teeth” are considered complex. They have many canals and the risk of inflammation is much higher.
When gum recovery begins, a white film appears in the socket. Like the blood clot, it should not be touched. It acts as protection against pathogens.
Then the process of gum transformation occurs, and the wound from the extraction heals completely.
Why does gum inflammation occur after tooth extraction?
Unfortunately, healing does not always occur quickly. Inflammation can occur for several reasons:
- the gum was traumatized during the tooth extraction;
- there are blood clotting disorders;
- the blood clot in the socket was washed out or removed by rinsing;
- infection from adjacent teeth, which often happens if there is tooth decay;
- food enters the socket during healing;
- weakened immunity;
- remaining root fragments in the socket;
- smoking;
- poor oral hygiene.
There are many causes of inflammation. During the first few days after extraction, it is important to be careful and follow all the dentist’s recommendations.
How to treat it?
If the gum becomes inflamed after tooth extraction, do not self-medicate! The patient needs professional help.
Make an appointment with a dentist, who will prescribe treatment. This may include:
- mechanical cleaning of the socket and removal of pus;
- medication. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers;
- physiotherapy procedures.
Each case is individual. Visit your dentist, and they will prescribe treatment that will be effective and reduce inflammation.
