Alveolitis, an inflammation of a tooth extraction site, is one of the most common oral diseases. It can be caused by a sloppy extraction procedure as well as by the body’s peculiarities and external factors. Alveolitis does not pose a threat to the body if you start treatment when the first symptoms appear. If you do not act, however, the development of complications is possible: osteomyelitis, periostitis, abscess, sepsis, phlegmon. What should I do if I have gum inflammation after a tooth extraction?
Symptoms of Gum Inflammation After Tooth Extraction
During normal healing, pain after tooth extraction lasts 1-2 days, after which it gradually subsides, the wound becomes covered with a blood clot and eventually heals. If there is inflammation, the pain may be present in swells, not subsiding or even getting worse. The nature of the pain is pulsating, may recur in the ear, and occur after ingestion of food. Does not respond to painkillers.
On self-examination, pay attention to the following signs:
- The gum at the site of removal is red;
- The hole is dry, the blood clot is not forming or is rapidly collapsing;
- gray or yellow plaque is present;
- bleeding from the hole;
- increase in body temperature;
- Unpleasant taste and odor in the mouth;
- Enlarged submandibular lymph nodes.
If at least one of these signs is present, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Alveolitis is suspected.
Causes of Gum Inflammation After Tooth Extraction
- During tooth extraction, the tissues are severely traumatized.
- Reduced immunity.
- Impaired blood clotting.
- Intense rinsing and taking hot liquids immediately after tooth extraction.
- Older age.
- Infection of the hole from neighboring tissues and teeth (for example, in the case of cavities in the neighborhood).
- The presence of other diseases of the body at the time of tooth extraction.
- Root residue in the hole.
- Entry of hard pieces of food into the wound.
- Lack of oral hygiene.
- Smoking.
- Creating a vacuum in the mouth (such as when using a drinking tube).
Most often, alveolitis appears as a result of the removal of “eights”. Since it is a large element, it affects many vessels, making it difficult for the gum to heal after a wisdom tooth extraction.
General Rules of Alveolitis Treatment
Treatment of gum inflammation after tooth extraction is performed by a dentist, self-treatment is unacceptable. First, you can make a mistake with the diagnosis, as a result all manipulations will be ineffective. Secondly, folk methods are not enough, and for professional you do not have enough experience and equipment.
Treatment in a Dental Clinic
The doctor anesthetizes the wound, cleans it, and puts a tampon with medicine. If the hole is prevented from healing by foreign bodies (splinters of tooth, root, pieces of food), the dentist removes them. You may need to take antibiotics, physical therapy, baths with medications, diet for the period of healing (avoidance of hard, hot foods). In neglected cases, additional surgery. Folk methods are allowed with the permission of the doctor. For example, gargles with sage, chamomile, burdock and others. These solutions can accelerate tissue healing and alleviate the condition of the patient.
Prevention
In the first days, do not eat hard or too hot food, do not rinse your mouth. These actions help flush out the clot, which can cause inflammation. If tooth extraction is not an emergency, it is advisable to take care of the treatment of cavities and other oral diseases beforehand. Give up unhealthy habits for the time of healing: alcohol thinners the blood and prevents the formation of a clot, while tobacco increases the risk of an infected cavity. If on the first day after a tooth extraction your gums hurt, you can simply take a painkiller.
Two days after the tooth extraction, the pain has not abated, it has increased, its nature has changed, so be sure to see your doctor! Alveolitis does not go away by itself, it can only lead to unpleasant consequences and complicate further treatment. Pay special attention to the condition of your teeth if you have any other diseases of your mouth or body in general.