Most patients recover quickly from a tooth extraction with no complications, but occasionally, infections can develop following an extraction. When this happens, it can affect not just the socket where the tooth was removed, but in more serious cases, the surrounding jawbone.
While jaw infections after a tooth extraction are very rare, they’re not completely unheard of. Recognising the symptoms of a jaw infection early is essential for prompt treatment and to prevent more serious health issues.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key symptoms of a jaw infection after a tooth extraction and when you should seek professional advice
Think your dentist made a mistake during your tooth extraction? You may be eligible to make a dental negligence claim. Find out more on our tooth extraction claims page.
Common symptoms of a jaw infection after tooth extraction
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after an extraction, certain symptoms may indicate a developing infection. Here are the most common warning signs to watch for:
1. Persistent or worsening pain
It’s normal to feel mild pain or discomfort in the days following a tooth extraction. However, if the pain intensifies rather than improves, or lasts longer than expected, it could be a sign of infection. Pain that radiates to the jaw, ear, or neck is particularly concerning, and should be checked out by a dental or medical professional as soon as possible.
2. Swelling that doesn’t improve
Some swelling around the extraction site is normal, especially within the first 48 hours. However, swelling that persists beyond a few days, worsens over time, or spreads to the jaw, face, or neck may indicate an infection in the deeper tissues or bone.
3. Redness or warmth
Infected areas often appear red and/or feel warm to the touch. If the gum tissue around the extraction site becomes increasingly inflamed or tender, this may be a sign that bacteria have taken hold.
4. Fever or feeling unwell
A jaw infection can trigger a systemic response, leading to fever, chills, fatigue, or a general feeling of being unwell. These symptoms suggest that the body is fighting an infection and should not be ignored.
5. Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
If you find it increasingly difficult or painful to open your mouth, this could be due to inflammation spreading into the jaw muscles. This condition, known as trismus, is often associated with more advanced infections and should be checked out by a healthcare professional immediately.
6. Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw may become swollen and tender as the body attempts to fight off infection. This is another sign that the infection has become more widespread and is not just isolated to the area directly surrounding the site of extraction.
When should I seek help?
You should contact your dentist or healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain after several days
- Swelling that spreads or doesn’t improve
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Prompt treatment can prevent the infection from spreading further and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
I think my dentist made a mistake during the tooth extraction – what should I do?
Firstly, it’s important to understand that getting an infection after a tooth extraction does not necessarily mean that your dentist made a mistake. However, your dentist may have made a mistake if:
- They did not follow proper sterilisation or hygiene standards
- A tooth fragment was left behind during the extraction
- Excessive force or poor technique was used
- They failed to identify or treat an existing infection before removing the tooth
- You were not advised on the warning signs of infection to look out for
- They did not arrange appropriate aftercare or review appointments
- There was no clear explanation of risks or aftercare instructions before or after the extraction
If any of these occurred, and you suffered from a jaw infection as a result, then you may be eligible to make a dental negligence claim.
A dental negligence claim helps you get the compensation you deserve for negligent treatment, which can cover the costs of any emergency dental or medical treatment that was required as a result, as well as emotional damages for the pain you’ve suffered.
At the Dental Law Partnership, we specialise exclusively in dental negligence claims, with an expert team consisting of both legal and dental professionals.
Get in touch with us to find out whether you may have a valid claim.