What Happens To The Abscess After Tooth Extraction?

Did you notice a pimple on your gums? If your tooth is severely decayed or infected, you might notice a pus-filled pocket forming on your gums. Also known as an abscess, it can cause multiple symptoms and discomfort. In some cases, the dental specialist will opt for incision and drainage to get rid of the abscess, while extraction becomes necessary in other instances. But do you know what happens to the abscess after tooth extraction?

If your dentist has recommended tooth extraction, you might be wondering how it will affect the abscess. In this blog, we will explore what to expect after having your tooth extracted due to an abscess.

Why Dentists Recommend Tooth Extraction for an Abscess

Your dentist will try to restore your tooth at all costs. However, sometimes, extraction becomes necessary when the damage is beyond repair. An abscess could indicate that the damage has spread to the root of your tooth, and antibiotics or non-invasive methods cannot treat it. This is because the abscess can cause pain and lead to severe complications if not treated on time. Hence, bone loss or infection of the surrounding tissues is on the line if you neglect treating an abscess.

What Happens To The Abscess After Tooth Extraction?

The abscess begins to heal after the tooth has been removed by the oral surgeon. Your body will naturally respond by fighting off the infection, gradually eliminating the pus pocket. Depending on the size and severity of the abscess, the healing process could take a few days or several weeks.

You will need to take proper care of the extraction site to prevent infection. Therefore, don’t neglect the instructions or oral surgeon or dentist will provide regarding tooth extraction aftercare. They will tell you how to take care of the site, which includes instructions on changing the gauze. Moreover, you will be advised on how to keep the area clean.

In some cases, your oral surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent further infection. This is especially important if the abscess is particularly large or severe or if you have a weakened immune system. In short, an abscess tends to heal after the tooth extraction.

Potential Complications Related To Abscess Formation After Tooth Extraction

Mostly, abscesses heal on their own after tooth extractions. Nevertheless, in some cases, complications occur. After the tooth extraction procedure, there is a slight chance of the following taking place:

Dry socket: When the blood clot dislodges or dissolves before the extraction wound has healed, the result is a dry socket. Consequently, you might experience intense pain and delay in the healing process.
Infection: Although it is rare, an abscess can become reinfected after tooth extraction, leading to pain and swelling along with other symptoms.
Nerve damage: Sometimes, the nerves surrounding the extraction site become damaged during the treatment. Numbness and tingling can occur in the mouth or face as a result, which could be permanent or temporary.

To avoid abscesses after tooth extraction, you should follow the advice of your dentist. And if any unusual symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

What’s Next?

To conclude, you will experience painful symptoms if you have an abscess. Oftentimes, the abscess is so severe that it requires tooth extraction to prevent further complications. Once the tooth has been removed, the natural healing process begins. Therefore, the abscess disappears over time after tooth extraction. You can expect a smooth recovery after that. When you visit Hermosa Dental, our dentists will thoroughly explain the entire procedure and whatever questions you have. Talk to us now at: