Sometimes, teeth get infected or crowd other teeth in the mouth. When this occurs, a tooth extraction may be necessary. There are a number of reasons you may need a tooth extraction. A few of these include making room before braces and excessive tooth decay that has compromised the integrity of the tooth. If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, you may also require a tooth extraction to prevent infections.
While a tooth extraction may sound like a painful procedure, it is actually fairly simple and comfortable. You may feel minor pressure but no extreme pain. The good news is that an anesthetic may be administered to ensure you feel completely comfortable during the entire procedure.
After a tooth extraction, you may feel a bit drowsy and may take some over-the-counter pain relievers to ease any discomfort you may be facing. When you get home, you’ll need to change your gauge regularly until the bleeding has stopped.
If you experience a fever and/or migraine headaches after a tooth extraction, there are several possible reasons for this. There may be stress associated with the tooth extraction procedure. You may also have a muscle spasm that’s a result from opening your jaws wide during the extraction. Jaw pain may also lead to a fever and migraines following an extraction.
We recommend applying a hot or cold compress to your head, taking pain medications as prescribed, sticking to a nutritious diet, and relaxing for a few days. If your fever and/or migraines persist, contact our office right away.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have further questions about a tooth extraction and why you may have a fever and/or migraine headaches after one, we encourage you to contact our office at (703) 542-7000. We look forward to hearing from you!