Wisdom tooth extraction - roots not removed and infected

[lucee888]

Hello. I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted 3 days ago. The dentist was not able to remove all of it and has stitched over what is left, she has said there’s a piece of bone that needs removed to allow the roots of the tooth to be fully removed, so I have been referred to the local hospital for this and just have to await an appointment. I had to go back to the dentist yesterday as I was worried it had got infected (foul taste in mouth, worsening swelling and pain, fever) and it was confirmed it was infected and I have been prescribed some antibiotics. I can still barely open my mouth and I cannot eat anything; even drinking tiny sips of water is extremely painful, and swallowing my own saliva is even difficult. My throat and left side of my tongue have also been extremely sore since the extraction, is this normal? Also, my main worry is that if the roots are still sat there in my gum dying now that my tooth that been cut in half (I might be wrong about this being what is happening , I’m no dentist!), am I susceptible to this level of pain and further infections until the roots are removed? Dentist advised that the hospitals waiting list is long currently I’m also very worried to have to go through this again when the roots are removed but is It likely that the left over roots are what are causing the infection? And once the roots are removed healing should be easier? Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

I don't know your situation but I it sounds to me your dentist acted correctly and there should be no real danger of infection by leaving the remaining roots for a few weeks. Sometimes oral surgeons prefer even to leave the roots and there are no infections ever. Even if the roots might be a source of infection, we are talking about chronic and mostly low-grade infection. It sounds to me that most of the pain and infection you are facing now is coming from the surgical procedure your body needs to overcome, rather then the residual roots.

 

[lucee888]

@Dr. Daniel Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it.