Inflamed gum after extraction
An inflamed gum after an extraction can reflect normal healing irritation, food lodged near the socket, a sharp bone fragment, infection, or loss of the bl
The short answer
An inflamed gum after an extraction can reflect normal healing irritation, food lodged near the socket, a sharp bone fragment, infection, or loss of the blood clot with dry socket. Worsening pain, swelling, fever, or pus needs prompt dental review.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
After extraction, a blood clot covers the socket while granulation tissue and new gum gradually form. The nearby gingiva may be tender, but increasing pain after initial improvement, a bad taste, exposed bone, or spreading swelling suggests a problem that needs examination.
What can you do next?
Follow the extraction instructions, brush the other teeth and gently clean near the site as directed, and avoid smoking, vigorous rinsing, and probing the socket. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum; use only pain medicines suitable for your health history and as directed.
When should you seek dental care?
Contact the extraction dentist promptly for worsening pain, persistent bleeding, fever, pus, facial swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth. Emergency care is needed for trouble breathing or swallowing or rapidly spreading swelling.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the socket is healing normally, whether food or a bone fragment is irritating it, and whether infection or dry socket is present. Ask how to clean the site and which symptoms require an immediate return.
Frequently asked questions
Can I manage this only at home?
Do not place aspirin directly on the gum; use only pain medicines suitable for your health history and as directed.
What treatment might be needed?
Ask whether the socket is healing normally, whether food or a bone fragment is irritating it, and whether infection or dry socket is present.