Complications of Wisdom tooth removal

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Dry socket is one of the most common complications of wisdom tooth removal. Dry socket can cause a dull aching sensation that develops in the gum or jaw three to four days after surgery. The pain may be accompanied by a bad smell.

It is thought that dry socket occurs when a blood clot either fails to develop in the tooth socket, or is dislodged. Your dentist may cover the socket with a medicated dressing, which will be removed and replaced frequently until the socket heals. Smokers are at higher risking of developing this complication.

A very small number of patients undergoing wisdom tooth removal may be affected by paresthesia. This is a condition that occurs when the nerve closest to the root of the tooth is bruised or damaged during surgery. It can result in a temporary loss of feeling to the tongue, lower lip or lower jaw.

Paresthesia normally lasts for a few days, weeks or months but may very occasionally be permanent if the nerve has been severely damaged. Older patients (over the age of 35) are at increased risk of paresthesia as the tooth roots are longer and closer to the nerve.