Deciding whether to proceed with wisdom tooth removal while sick is a common concern. The decision depends on the illness’s type and severity, your overall health, and specific medical considerations. While a minor cold might not always necessitate postponement, more significant symptoms require careful evaluation by an oral surgeon to ensure patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes.
Medical Considerations for Surgery and Illness
When sick, your immune system actively fights infection, affecting your body’s ability to heal and respond to surgical trauma. A compromised immune system can increase the risk of post-operative infections at the surgical site. This is because the body may struggle to combat bacteria naturally present in the mouth or introduced during the procedure.
Anesthesia also plays a significant role in these considerations. The various forms of anesthesia used in oral surgery can affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. If a patient has a respiratory illness, anesthesia can exacerbate breathing difficulties, making it harder to maintain clear airways during the procedure. Underlying health conditions, worsened by illness, can also increase the risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Your body needs to dedicate its resources to healing the surgical site. If it is simultaneously fighting an illness, recovery can be prolonged or complicated. This dual burden can lead to increased discomfort, slower healing, and a higher chance of complications.
Common Illnesses and Surgical Decisions
Respiratory infections, such as a common cold, influenza, or bronchitis, can pose challenges during surgery. Symptoms like coughing and nasal congestion can interfere with breathing, especially if sedation or general anesthesia is used. These symptoms also increase the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory complications. A persistent cough might make it difficult to keep the surgical area clear and can also spread germs within the dental office.
Fever and more systemic infections, which indicate a widespread bodily response to illness, are usually reasons for postponement. A fever often suggests that the body is actively fighting a significant infection. Proceeding with surgery under these circumstances can heighten risks such as infection spread or complications with anesthesia. Nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing freely are also symptoms that typically necessitate rescheduling the procedure. While localized infections, like a simple mouth sore, might not always be a barrier, widespread illnesses generally require professional judgment to determine if surgery can safely proceed.
Steps to Take Before Your Procedure
If you develop any symptoms of illness before your scheduled wisdom tooth removal, contact your oral surgeon’s office immediately. Prompt communication allows the dental team to assess your situation and make an informed decision about proceeding with or postponing your surgery.
When you call, be prepared to provide detailed information about your symptoms, including their onset, severity, fever presence, and current medications. The staff may ask additional questions or suggest an in-person evaluation to determine the best course of action. Open communication ensures your safety and prevents illness spread in the clinical environment.
Recovery and Post-Surgery Considerations
If surgery proceeds with a mild illness, or if you become sick shortly after, recovery can be more challenging. Your body’s resources are divided between healing and fighting illness, leading to increased post-operative discomfort. Healing may be slower, with a heightened risk of complications.
For example, the risk of dry socket, where the blood clot dislodges, might increase if the body is under additional stress. Surgical site infections are also more likely, causing prolonged pain, swelling, or systemic issues if not addressed promptly. Monitoring symptoms and adhering to post-operative instructions become even more important.