Possible Wisdom Teeth Complications

Although having wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that typically has no serious associated complications, according to the American Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, as few as 3% to as many as 30% of patients who have their wisdom teeth extracted will experience some complications. While these complications are unlikely to happen, it is important to be aware of them prior to having the procedure performed so you are prepared to handle them if they do occur, and more importantly, so you know what steps you can take to prevent or reduce your risk of developing these complications.

The five most common complications that can develop following removal of wisdom teeth are:

1. Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis): Following the removal of a tooth, a blood clot forms over the extraction site. If this blood clot becomes dislodged, a dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can develop. Studies indicate that dry sockets occur in approximately 3% of patients and are more likely to occur for people who smoke. Indications of a dry socket include an unpleasant taste or smell in the area of extraction and/or throbbing pain. If you are diagnosed with a dry socket, the area will be cleaned and covered with a medical dressing, which will need to be replaced until the area has fully healed.
2. Pain and Swelling: According to studies, a little over half of patients experience mild pain and swelling the day after surgery, and approximately 47% experience severe pain. Of this group, only 15% will experience severe pain after one week following the procedure. To help alleviate these symptoms, you may be prescribed pain-relieving medication and/or take over-the-counter medication. Swelling can be managed by using ice packs for fifteen-minute intervals. Avoiding strenuous activities and sticking to a soft food diet can also help alleviate or avoid these symptoms.
3. Limited Mouth Opening: Following removal of your wisdom teeth, some patients experience a limited ability to open their mouth. This complication (referred to as trismus) is more common among patients between the ages of 17-25 and among patients whose wisdom tooth or teeth are impacted. Trismus is often treated through muscle relaxants, pain medications, jaw opening devices, and/or heat therapy.
4. Excessive Bleeding: Approximately 31% of patients will experience excessive bleeding the first day following extraction of their wisdom tooth. Steps you can take to reduce excessive bleeding include avoiding strenuous activity, rinsing your mouth, and not smoking.
5. Lip Numbness: Though extremely unlikely, there is a small chance of your alveolar nerve becoming damaged during the extraction process, which can cause lip numbness. If this unlikely event were to occur, be assured that for 96% of patients who experience this complication, the issue will spontaneously resolve itself.

By following proper aftercare instructions, you should enjoy a fast recovery that is free of complications and soon return to being able to enjoy all types of food again. In having your wisdom teeth removed, you also reduce your risk of developing future issues that can be caused by wisdom teeth, such as infections, periodontal disease, impacted teeth, crowded/misaligned teeth, and other avoidable issues.