What To Do If You Get an Infection After Dental Surgery: A Personal Guide

Having dental surgery is a big step toward better oral health, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the most common concerns after a dental procedure is the risk of developing an infection. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my personal experience and provide insights into what you should do if you suspect you have an infection following dental surgery.

Recognizing the Signs of Infection

It all started a few days after my wisdom teeth extraction. I was feeling fine at first, following all the post-surgery instructions to the letter. However, I began noticing some unusual symptoms. My jaw was more swollen than expected, and I felt a constant throbbing pain that wasn’t getting better with painkillers. I realized something might be wrong, and after talking to my dentist, I confirmed that it could be a sign of infection.

Infections after dental surgery are not uncommon, but they can become serious if left untreated. Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

Swelling or redness around the surgical site that worsens over time
Pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter medication
Fever, which may indicate a bacterial infection
Pus or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing

Immediate Steps to Take If You Suspect an Infection

Once I realized something wasn’t right, I didn’t panic. It’s important to stay calm and follow these steps if you think you have an infection:

Contact your dentist immediately: The first thing I did was call my dentist. They were able to assess my situation and offered guidance. It’s crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider early to avoid complications.
Follow their instructions: After my dentist confirmed it could be an infection, they recommended I come in for an examination. Based on the diagnosis, I was prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.
Keep the surgical site clean: Keeping the area around the surgery site clean is critical to preventing further infection. Gently rinse with saltwater as advised by your dentist. I made sure to avoid disturbing the area with food or using any hard objects like toothpicks.
Take antibiotics as prescribed: Don’t skip doses of your antibiotics. I followed the regimen exactly as my dentist instructed. Infections can worsen if you stop taking your medication early, even if you start feeling better.

Dealing with Pain and Discomfort

In addition to the infection, I was also dealing with significant discomfort. Pain is common after surgery, but when it’s accompanied by infection, it can feel unbearable. Here’s what helped me manage the pain:

Taking prescribed pain medications on time to prevent the pain from getting worse
Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the area
Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing on the side of the surgery
Resting as much as possible to help my body heal faster

When to Seek Additional Medical Help

Although I was following the treatment plan, there were moments when I wondered if I should seek additional medical attention. If you notice that your symptoms aren’t improving or if they’re worsening despite following your dentist's advice, it's essential to seek help again. Some signs that you may need further intervention include:

A significant increase in pain, especially if it becomes sharp and unrelenting
A high fever that doesn’t go away
Excessive swelling that doesn’t subside
Difficulty breathing or swallowing

The Importance of Follow-up Appointments

During my recovery, I had follow-up appointments with my dentist to monitor the healing process. These checkups are crucial in ensuring that the infection is fully treated and that no complications arise. If your dentist recommends follow-up visits, be sure to attend them. In my case, a follow-up exam confirmed that the infection had been cleared up successfully, and I was on my way to a full recovery.

Preventing Infections After Future Dental Surgeries

After my experience, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of post-surgical care. Here are some tips to prevent infections in the future:

Always follow your dentist’s post-surgical instructions carefully
Take prescribed medications exactly as directed
Keep the surgery site clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily
Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, which can interfere with healing
Eat soft, non-irritating foods to avoid aggravating the surgical site

Dental surgery can be daunting, but understanding what to do in case of an infection can help ease your mind. If you’re ever in doubt, remember that your dentist is there to guide you through the process. Staying proactive, seeking help early, and following your recovery instructions will ensure the best outcome for your health.