Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure. While some discomfort is expected, many people worry about the possibility of an infection developing at the surgical site. Knowing the difference between normal post-operative healing and the signs of a complication is important for a smooth recovery. This information will help you monitor your healing process and understand when to seek professional medical advice.
Expected Post-Surgical Healing and Timeline
The initial days following wisdom tooth extraction involve a predictable pattern of discomfort and swelling. Mild to moderate pain is normal and typically manageable with prescribed medication. Swelling is a natural inflammatory response that usually peaks around 48 to 72 hours after the procedure.
Swelling should begin noticeably subsiding after the third day. A slight oozing or mild bleeding on the first day is also common as the blood clot forms in the socket. The most reliable indicator of normal recovery is that symptoms, particularly pain, should steadily improve after the initial peak.
Key Indicators of a Bacterial Infection
A bacterial infection often presents with symptoms that worsen instead of improving, typically appearing three to seven days following the surgery. The presence of pus is a definitive sign of infection. This discharge may appear thick and be yellow, white, or green, oozing from the extraction site.
Infection-related pain is persistent and throbbing, often failing to respond to pain medication or worsening after the fourth day. Systemic signs, such as a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), indicate the infection may be spreading beyond the surgical site. A foul taste or odor in the mouth, along with worsening difficulty opening your mouth (trismus), can also signal an established bacterial presence.
Is It Infection or Dry Socket?
One of the most common complications confused with infection is alveolar osteitis, known as dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerve endings. The onset of this pain usually occurs two to four days after the procedure.
The pain is often severe, sharp, and intense, frequently radiating from the socket up to the ear or temple. A key difference is the absence of systemic symptoms; dry socket is not accompanied by a fever or the thick pus characteristic of a bacterial infection. When looking at the extraction site, you may see an empty socket where the blood clot should be, sometimes with visible white bone.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon
Contact your oral surgeon immediately if you notice definitive signs of infection, such as pus discharge or a persistent fever. Unrelieved or worsening pain that continues past the fifth day also warrants a professional evaluation. Any new or increasing difficulty with swallowing or breathing is a medical concern requiring urgent attention.
Before calling, be prepared to clearly describe your symptoms, including your current body temperature and the effectiveness of any pain medication. Addressing complications early prevents them from escalating and ensures you receive necessary treatment, which may involve cleaning the socket or prescribing antibiotics. Continuous or excessive bleeding that does not stop with pressure beyond the first 24 hours is another reason to seek immediate help.