Complications of Third Molar Surgery Third molar surgery, the removal of impacted teeth, carries potential complications that patients should be aware of. Th...
Third molar surgery, the removal of impacted teeth, carries potential complications that patients should be aware of. These complications can be broadly divided into immediate and late events.
Immediate complications are those that occur during or immediately after surgery and are more likely to happen with deep sedation or excessive bleeding. These include:
Bruising and swelling around the surgical site
Toothache due to nerve damage
Pain in the jaw, face, or neck
Nerve damage causing numbness or weakness in the tongue, lips, or face
Foreign body sensation
Increased bleeding
Late complications are more common than immediate complications and may develop weeks or months after surgery. They include:
Dry socket or socket drainage around the extracted tooth
Pain in the jaw that is not relieved with pain medication
Tooth mobility or shifting of the extracted tooth
Peri-implantitis or inflammation around the implant
Dental implant failure
Tooth loss
It's important for patients to follow their dentist's instructions regarding medication, oral hygiene, and follow-up appointments to minimize the risk of complications