Common Complications After Wisdom Tooth Extraction and How to Avoid Them

Getting a Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Brampton, ON, is a regular dental procedure, but like any surgery, it can come with a few hiccups. The good news? Most complications are easy to avoid if you know what to expect and how to care for yourself after the procedure.

Let’s walk through what can go wrong—and how you can stay on the safe side.

1. Dry Socket: The Most Common Issue

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that’s supposed to form over the wound gets dislodged or dissolves too soon. That leaves nerves and bone exposed, and the pain can be intense.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t drink from a straw for at least a week
• Avoid smoking or vaping
• Stick to soft foods and avoid anything really hot or spicy

2. Swelling and Bruising

Some swelling is totally normal, especially in the first 48 hours. But if it gets worse or feels hard and painful, it might be more than post-op puffiness.

Tips to manage swelling:

• Use ice packs for 20-minute intervals on the first day
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated
• Follow any medication guidelines closely

3. Infection After Surgery

Even though rare, infections can pop up if food or bacteria get trapped near the healing site. Signs may include a bad taste in your mouth, fever, or increased pain.

Prevention tips:

• Rinse gently using salt water after the first 24 hours
• Refrain from poking the area with your tongue or fingers
• Keep all follow-up appointments

4. Difficulty Opening the Mouth (Trismus)

Some stiffness or soreness in the jaw is expected, but if it becomes hard to open your mouth fully, that’s called trismus.

Simple ways to ease it:

• Apply warm compresses after the initial 48 hours
• Gently stretch the jaw by slowly opening and closing
• Stick with soft foods until mobility improves

If you’re looking for Wisdom Tooth Extraction near you, don’t be afraid to ask questions. An expert dental team will walk you through what to expect before and after.

At Align Dental Smiles, we help patients through Tooth removal in Brampton, ON, with careful planning, clear instructions, and warm support. Recovery doesn’t have to be hard—just follow the aftercare, take it slow, and give your body time to heal.