Dental Extraction Complications

Pulling a tooth, or dental extraction, is a common dental procedure. The procedure is done in the dentist's office under local anesthesia; which means you remain awake but will not feel any pain. Usually all goes well. However, complications can occur with a dental extraction.

Procedure

• During the extraction, your dentist will numb the area around your tooth, including the roots of the tooth. He will then use a special dental tool to rock the tooth back and forth until he can pull it out easily. He may need to stitch the area closed after the procedure.

  After a dental extraction you can expect some swelling, pain and bleeding. It only becomes a problem if it persists. See your dentist for proper treatment if you have any of the following complications.

Excessive Bleeding

• Bleeding that does not stop could mean there was damage done to a blood vessel during the extraction and you will need further treatment from your dentist. If you are taking medication that lessons your ability to form a blood clot, you may have continuous bleeding. You should call your dentist immediately in either case.

  Minor bleeding that lasts a few days could occur because you are doing one or more of the following, smoking, drinking from a straw or rinsing the area too vigorously. If the bleeding continues due to these actions, you can dislodge the blood clot. Your dentist can restitch and pack the extraction site so that it will heal.

Dry Socket

• Pain that worsens several days after your extraction may mean you have a dry socket. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged from the socket. The bone underneath is left exposed and causes pain. Your doctor will need to restitch the area and prescribe antibiotics to guard against infection.

Allergic Reaction

• Swelling of your jawbone is normal after a tooth extraction for up to 48 hours. If your tongue or throat swells to the point where you have difficulty breathing, you may be having an allergic reaction to the medication. Call your dentist.

  If you have very bad breath a week after the extraction call your dentist, as you may have an infection. Your dentist should prescribe an antibiotic for you to take that will prevent an infection. Rinsing with warm salt water can reduce the chance of infection as well.

Root Tips

• Sometimes during the extraction the dentist may not be able to remove the entire root of the tooth. This root tip may work its way to the surface of your jaw and fall out on its own. If the root tip becomes infected or will not come out, oral surgery will need to be done to remove it.