10 Common Signs of Infection After Wisdom Tooth Removal You Shouldn’t Ignore

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, especially for adults aged 17 to 25. While most recover without problems, complications like infections can arise, often days after the surgery. As a health-conscious individual, knowing what to watch for can make all the difference in preventing serious oral health issues. Infections after wisdom tooth removal can develop quietly but escalate quickly if left untreated. That’s why it’s crucial to monitor your healing process and understand when symptoms point to something more than just normal recovery pain.

This guide explores 10 common signs of infection after wisdom tooth removal, how they differ from typical healing symptoms, and when it’s time to call your dentist. Staying informed will help you heal faster and stay safe.

What Does Normal Healing Look Like?

Before diving into signs of infection, it’s important to know what normal recovery should feel like. Most patients experience:

• Mild to moderate swelling for 2–3 days

• Bruising and slight stiffness around the jaw

• Slight oozing of blood for the first 24 hours

• Gradual reduction of pain over the first week

If your symptoms begin to worsen instead of improve after the third day, or if new symptoms appear suddenly, these may be signs of infection.

1. Persistent or Worsening Pain After Day 3

Pain is normal after any surgery, but it should gradually decrease with time. If you’re still in significant pain after the third or fourth day—or if the pain worsens—it may signal an infection.

Pain that radiates to the ear, neck, or opposite side of the face should not be ignored.

2. Swelling That Increases Over Time

Mild swelling is expected, especially around the cheeks or jawline. However, swelling that continues to grow, becomes firm to the touch, or is accompanied by redness could be due to an underlying infection.

Infected areas may also feel hot and tender.

3. Bad Breath or Foul Taste in the Mouth

Noticing a sour, metallic, or foul taste days after surgery? That could mean pus or bacteria are accumulating at the extraction site. This symptom often goes hand-in-hand with infected wisdom tooth symptoms.

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) can also be a red flag.

4. White or Yellow Pus Discharge

A major warning sign of infection is the presence of pus. If you see white, yellow, or greenish fluid seeping from the surgical site, that’s not part of normal healing.

This should be addressed by a dental professional immediately.

5. Fever and Chills

An infection can cause your body to raise its internal temperature in an attempt to fight off bacteria. A low-grade fever may seem harmless, but when combined with other symptoms like swelling and pain, it should raise concern.

A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) after oral surgery is not normal.

6. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Noticing small, tender bumps beneath your jaw or around your neck? These could be swollen lymph nodes, which often indicate your immune system is responding to an infection. They may feel sore when touched and are sometimes accompanied by feelings of tiredness or overall discomfort.

7. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth (Trismus)

If you’re struggling to open your mouth or chew after the third day, this could be due to inflammation or infection in the surrounding tissues.

This condition, known as trismus, can also indicate deeper infection in the jaw muscles or joints.

8. Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop

Light bleeding is expected during the first 24 hours after surgery. However, persistent or heavy bleeding several days later could indicate that the site hasn’t clotted properly or that an infection is interfering with healing.

Apply gentle pressure and seek help if it doesn’t stop after 30 minutes.

9. Redness or Heat at the Surgical Site

If the gum tissue around the extraction site appears red, inflamed, or feels warm to the touch, it’s likely that your body is reacting to an infection. Normal tissue should gradually become pink and firm, not remain red and irritated.

10. A Dry Socket That Becomes Painful Again

A dry socket happens when the blood clot at the site of extraction dissolves or gets dislodged, leaving the bone exposed. If you initially feel better but then experience sharp, throbbing pain a few days later, this may signal infection in the exposed socket.

Dry sockets are extremely painful and should be treated promptly.

When Should You See a Dentist for Signs of Infection After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

If you notice one or more of the signs listed above—especially fever, pus, or worsening pain—don’t wait. Contact your oral surgeon or dentist as soon as possible. Infections that spread can lead to more serious complications, including facial cellulitis or systemic infections that may require hospitalization.

Being vigilant during your recovery, practicing good oral hygiene, and keeping follow-up appointments are key steps to a healthy healing process.

Final Thoughts

Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a smooth process with proper care and monitoring. However, infections can sneak in if you’re not careful. By recognizing early signs such as increasing pain, swelling, fever, or pus, you can take immediate action and prevent long-term damage. Always listen to your body, and when in doubt, consult your healthcare provider. Your health—and your peace of mind—are worth it.