Hard Lump On Jaw After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that grow at the back of the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth become impacted, which means they don't have enough room to grow and can cause pain, swelling, and infection. This is why many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems.
Why do people get their wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems, including:
- Infection
- Tooth decay
- Crowding of other teeth
- Cysts or tumors
- Gum disease
- Jaw damage
If your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal, it's usually best to follow their advice to avoid these issues.
What is a hard lump on the jaw after wisdom teeth removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, it's normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising. However, if you notice a hard lump on your jaw after the procedure, it could be a sign of a complication, such as:
- Dry socket
- Infection
- Fractured jawbone
- Bone spurs
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
What is a dry socket?
Dry socket is a common complication after wisdom teeth removal. It occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth was removed becomes dislodged or dissolves, exposing the bone and nerves in the socket. This can cause severe pain, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth.
How is dry socket treated?
Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication and may place a medicated dressing in the socket to promote healing. They may also recommend you avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and eating hard or crunchy foods for a few days to avoid dislodging the dressing.
What is an infection?
An infection is a common complication after wisdom teeth removal. It occurs when bacteria enter the socket where the tooth was removed and cause inflammation and swelling. Symptoms of an infection include:
- Pain that doesn't improve with pain medication
- Fever
- Swelling
- Pus or discharge from the socket
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
How is an infection treated?
Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. They may also recommend you rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day to promote healing.
What is a fractured jawbone?
A fractured jawbone is a rare but serious complication after wisdom teeth removal. It occurs when the jawbone is accidentally broken during the procedure. Symptoms of a fractured jawbone include:
- Pain that gets worse over time
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Swelling
- Bruising
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
How is a fractured jawbone treated?
A fractured jawbone may require surgery to fix. Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely place wires or screws to hold the jawbone in place while it heals. They may also recommend a liquid or soft food diet for several weeks to avoid putting pressure on the jawbone.
What are bone spurs?
Bone spurs are small bony growths that can form in the socket where the tooth was removed. They can cause pain and discomfort, especially when eating or speaking. Bone spurs usually go away on their own, but in some cases, they may need to be removed surgically.
How to prevent complications after wisdom teeth removal?
There are several things you can do to prevent complications after wisdom teeth removal, including:
- Follow your dentist's or oral surgeon's instructions for aftercare
- Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and eating hard or crunchy foods for a few days
- Rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day to promote healing
- Take pain medication as prescribed
- Avoid vigorous exercise or physical activity for a few days
Conclusion
Removing wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure that can prevent various dental problems. However, it's important to be aware of the potential complications, such as a hard lump on the jaw, and take steps to prevent them. If you experience any symptoms after wisdom teeth removal, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.