Why can generalized infection occur after tooth extraction, as happened in Ceará?
Last week, dance teacher José Eliezio Oliveira Silva, 50, died in Fortaleza of a generalized infection a week after having his wisdom tooth extracted.
According to information provided by the victim’s granddaughter, the teacher began to feel very intense tooth pain at the beginning of the year and decided to self-medicate with painkillers.
However, the pain persisted and she decided to make an appointment with the doctor. The granddaughter asks that no tests or x-rays have been done before the surgery. Also, after the surgery, the uncle walked out without a prescription for post surgery.
At the UPA unit, he had two cardiac arrests. The doctor reported having a generalized infection and bacteria in the neck area. At the second cardiac arrest he was intubated, but he couldn’t resist.
The procedure is common, but requires attention
Dental surgeon and oral health specialist Bruna Conde explains that wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure in dentistry, but requires specific care to prevent complications.
It is important that the patient be evaluated before surgery, with imaging tests to assess the location of the tooth, root anatomy, and proximity to other structures, such as nerves and blood vessels. This evaluation helps identify potential risks, such as difficulty accessing the tooth, the presence of infection or inflammation, or the possibility of damaging other structures during extraction.
Lack of preoperative testing and lack of prescriptions for the postoperative period are serious concerns that can lead to serious health complications, such as widespread infection that ultimately leads to death.
“Generalized infection occurs when bacteria spread through the bloodstream and reach various organs and systems in the body, causing a generalized inflammatory response. This type of infection is serious and requires immediate treatment and medical support,” stresses Bruna Conde.
Reasons that can cause the infection
Infection after tooth extraction can occur for several reasons. One of the major contributing factors to infection after tooth extraction is the presence of bacteria at the site. Bacteria can build up in the area of the extracted tooth, especially if there isn’t good oral hygiene during the recovery period. The bacteria can cause inflammation and pain at the site, as well as pus and bad breath.
Another factor that can contribute to infection after tooth extraction is the patient’s low immunity. Patients with compromised immunity, such as those who have undergone cancer treatment or suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, may be at greater risk of developing infections after tooth extraction.
Bone exposure after extraction can also be a risk factor for infection. When the tooth is extracted, the bone that supported it is exposed. If this bone isn’t adequately covered by gum tissue, there may be an increased chance of infection.
The factor of pre-existing disease
Finally, some pre-existing conditions, such as periodontal disease or osteoporosis, can also increase the risk of infection after tooth extraction.
“If the patient shows signs of infection after tooth extraction, such as severe pain, swelling, redness at the site, bad breath or fever, it is essential to seek immediate professional attention for evaluation and appropriate treatment. Treatment of the infection may include instructions on site hygiene, use of antibiotics, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, laser therapy, as well as local care to keep the site clean and prevent progression of the infection. Extracting wisdom teeth must not be something traumatic or generate fear in people”, concludes Bruna Conde.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
