Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Complications After Dental Treatment

By

Michael N. Wajdowicz

, DDS, Veterans Administration

Reviewed/Revised Oct 2022
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

Complications after a dental procedure that include swelling and pain, dry socket, osteomyelitis, bleeding, and osteonecrosis of the jaw comprise another set of urgent dental problems Introduction to Urgent Dental Problems Certain dental problems require prompt treatment to relieve discomfort and minimize damage to the structures of the mouth. Such urgent dental problems include Toothaches Fractured, loosened... read more that require prompt attention.

Swelling and pain

Swelling is common after certain dental procedures, particularly tooth removal (extraction) and periodontal surgery. Holding an ice pack—or better yet, a plastic bag of frozen peas or corn (which adapts to the shape of the face)—to the cheek can prevent much of the swelling. Ice therapy can be used for the first 18 hours. Cold should be held on the cheek for 25-minute periods every hour or two. If swelling persists or increases after 3 days or if pain is severe, an infection may have developed, and the person should contact the dentist.

Pain after a dental procedure can be moderate to severe. People can take various pain relievers.

Dry socket (alveolitis)

A dry socket (exposure of the bone in the socket, causing delayed healing) may develop after a lower back tooth has been extracted and the normal blood clot in the socket is lost. Typically, discomfort lessens for 2 or 3 days after the extraction and then suddenly worsens, sometimes accompanied by an earache. Although the condition goes away by itself after 1 to 2 weeks, a dentist can place a dressing soaked with an anesthetic in the socket to eliminate the pain. The dentist replaces the dressing every 1 to 3 days until no more pain is felt after the gauze has been left out for a few hours. Alternatively, dentists often use a commercial dressing that does not need to be removed and that contains an antimicrobial and a pain reliever in addition to an anesthetic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be taken by mouth if additional pain relief is needed.

Dry sockets are much more common among people who smoke. If at all possible, people should not smoke for several days before and after the extraction is done. Women (especially those taking oral contraceptives) also have a high rate of developing dry socket.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. Bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi can infect bones by spreading through the bloodstream or, more often, by... read more is an infection of the bone and is usually caused by bacteria. When osteomyelitis occurs in the mouth, it typically occurs as an infection of the lower jaw. People usually have a fever, and the affected area is tender and swollen. Doctors or dentists use an x-ray to make the diagnosis. People with osteomyelitis need to take antibiotics for an extended period of time.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare and potentially debilitating condition that involves exposure of the bone of the jaws. MRONJ occurs in some people who have taken... read more is a disorder that involves bone death of areas of the jawbones after exposure of the jawbone through the gum tissue. The disorder usually causes pain, loosening of teeth, and a discharge of pus. The disorder may occur after

  • Tooth extraction

  • An injury

  • Radiation therapy to the head and neck (osteoradionecrosis)

  • Use of bisphosphonate drugs in high doses or for long periods

Osteonecrosis of the jaw may also occur spontaneously. This disorder develops in some people who were given drugs that strengthen bone. The most common of these drugs are bisphosphonates, such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate. Bisphosphonates seem to have a higher risk of causing osteonecrosis of the jaw in people who undergo oral surgery of the lower jaw while taking intravenous bisphosphonates, those who have previously been given high doses of bisphosphonates by vein (common with certain cancer treatments), or those who have been taking bisphosphonates for a long period of time. The risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw is much lower (about 1 in 1,000) in people who are given bisphosphonates in standard doses for osteoporosis Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition in which a decrease in the density of bones weakens the bones, making breaks (fractures) likely. Aging, estrogen deficiency, low vitamin D or calcium intake, and... read more Osteoporosis for shorter periods of time.

Treatment typically involves scraping away some of the damaged bone (debridement), taking antibiotics by mouth, and using antibacterial mouth rinses.

Bleeding

Bleeding after a tooth is removed is common. Bleeding in the mouth may appear worse than it is because a small amount of blood may mix with saliva and appear to be more blood than is actually present. Usually, the bleeding can be stopped by keeping steady pressure on the surgical site for the first hour, normally by having the person bite down on a piece of gauze. People may have to repeat the process two or three times. Keeping the gauze (or a tea bag) steadily in place for at least an hour is important. Most problems with bleeding occur because the person frequently removes the pack to see whether the bleeding has stopped. If bleeding continues for more than a few hours, the dentist should be notified. The dentist may need to clean out the bleeding area and surgically close it with stitches (sutures).

People who regularly take an anticoagulant (a drug that prevents clots) such as warfarin or aspirin (even if they take only one aspirin every few days) should mention it to the dentist a week before surgery because these drugs increase the tendency to bleed. The person’s doctor may adjust the drug dosage or temporarily stop the drug a few days before surgery after consultation with the dentist.

More Information

The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

  • Mouth Healthy: This resource provides information on oral health, including nutrition and guidance on selecting products that carry the American Dental Association's seal of approval, as well as advice on how to find a dentist and when to see one.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Binosto, Fosamax
Actonel, Atelvia
Boniva
Coumadin, Jantoven
Anacin Adult Low Strength, Aspergum, Aspir-Low, Aspirtab , Aspir-Trin , Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Womens Aspirin , BeneHealth Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose, DURLAZA, Easprin , Ecotrin, Ecotrin Low Strength, Genacote, Halfprin, MiniPrin, St. Joseph Adult Low Strength, St. Joseph Aspirin, VAZALORE, Zero Order Release Aspirin, ZORprin
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP