Dental procedures, including wisdom tooth extractions and tooth fillings, are common, but complications can sometimes arise. Patients have reported severe infections, nerve injuries, and even long-term pain in teeth that were treated years ago. Unfortunately, in some cases, medical professionals dismiss these symptoms, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsened conditions.
Severe Infections After Wisdom Tooth Removal
1. Misdiagnosed Swelling Leading to a Life-Threatening Condition
A woman experienced significant swelling in her right jaw after her wisdom tooth extraction. Over time, the swelling became severe, making movement nearly impossible. She contacted her oral surgeon’s office, but the nurse dismissed her concerns, stating that the symptoms were not related to her surgery and advised her to see a medical doctor instead.
- Her general practitioner (GP) referred her back to the oral surgeon, but the surgeon refused to treat her.
- The GP prescribed steroids, but her condition worsened.
- She was eventually hospitalized with facial swelling, fever, limited jaw movement, and pus drainage from her mouth.
- Doctors administered IV antibiotics for 8 days, and she was discharged after 16 days.
- Two weeks later, her condition deteriorated again—she had a high fever, severe facial swelling, and a recurring abscess.
- She was rehospitalized for 4 weeks and diagnosed with osteomyelitis (a serious bone infection).
This case highlights how delayed treatment can turn a simple post-surgical infection into a life-threatening complication.
2. Undiagnosed Tissue Damage Leading to Permanent Scarring
In another case, a woman in Connecticut had four wisdom teeth extracted. Shortly after surgery, she developed a rash on her left cheek and contacted her oral surgeon.
- The surgeon’s office dismissed her concerns, claiming the rash was unrelated to the procedure.
- She later consulted a plastic surgeon, who determined that the rash was due to tissue damage caused by excessive surgical pressure or heat exposure during the procedure.
- However, because the oral surgeon never followed up with her, her lawsuit was dismissed due to lack of direct medical evidence.
This case underscores the importance of post-operative care and proper follow-ups after dental surgery.
Tooth Pain Years After a Filling – Why Does It Happen?
Many people experience pain in a tooth with a filling years later, and it can be due to several reasons:
- Hidden Decay Beneath the Filling
- Bacteria can seep under an old filling, leading to new cavities and persistent pain.
- Cracked or Worn-Out Filling
- Over time, fillings wear out or crack, exposing the tooth to sensitivity and infections.
- Nerve Damage (Pulpitis or Nerve Death)
- A deep filling can irritate the tooth’s nerve, causing long-term pain or even nerve death.
- Bite Misalignment (High Filling)
- If the filling is too high, it can cause discomfort while chewing, requiring adjustment.
- Receding Gums and Tooth Sensitivity
- As gums recede, the tooth root gets exposed, leading to sharp pain with temperature changes.
If you experience pain in a tooth with a filling years later, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause and prevent further complications.
The Dangers of Medical Dismissals in Dental Complications
These cases illustrate a common issue—dental professionals sometimes dismiss post-surgery symptoms, delaying treatment and allowing conditions to worsen. Patients experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms after wisdom tooth extractions or fillings should:
- Insist on a follow-up with their dentist or oral surgeon.
- Seek a second opinion if their concerns are ignored.
- Monitor symptoms carefully and document changes for medical evaluation.
