Can Someone Die from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Yes, someone can die from wisdom tooth extraction. This is because the procedure involves cutting into the gums and bone, which can lead to infection. If the infection goes untreated, it can spread to the brain and other organs, leading to death.
It’s a common myth that wisdom tooth extraction can be deadly. However, this is not the case. While there are risks associated with any surgery, the risks of wisdom tooth extraction are relatively low.
Complications from wisdom teeth removal are rare, but they can occur. The most serious complication is infection, which can lead to death if left untreated. Other complications include damage to the nearby nerves, which can cause numbness or paralysis in the face.
What are the Risks of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Because wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean and are often located in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, they are susceptible to a build-up of plaque and bacteria. This can lead to a number of problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
While wisdom teeth removal is a common and generally safe procedure, there are some risks involved. These include:
Pain: Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure which can result in pain and discomfort afterwards.
Over-the-counter pain medications can help to manage this pain, but it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking them. Swelling: Some degree of swelling is normal after wisdom tooth extraction. However, if the swelling persists or gets worse, it could be a sign of infection.
Bleeding: There will be some bleeding immediately following the surgery as well as over the next few days. It is important not to smoke or drink through straws during this time as these activities can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the site of surgery and delay healing. Infection: Although rare, infection can occur after wisdom tooth extraction.
Signs of infection include persistent pain, fever, redness or swelling at the extraction site(s), discharge from the mouth/nose, or difficulty swallowing/breathing.
Deaths at the dentist office
Scared of Dying During Wisdom Teeth Removal
According to the American Dental Association, approximately 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed each year. While most procedures are uneventful, there is always a risk of complications, including death. Death from wisdom tooth extraction is extremely rare (approximately 1 in every 2 million cases), but it can happen.
There are several risks that can contribute to death during or after wisdom tooth removal, including:
-Infection: If bacteria enter the bloodstream through the extraction site, it can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
-Blood clots: If a blood clot forms in the extraction site and breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
This is a very serious condition that can be fatal.
-Reactions to anesthesia: Although rare, some people may have a severe reaction to the anesthesia used during wisdom tooth removal. This could include an allergic reaction or problems with breathing.
Has Anyone Ever Died from Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are often thought of as unimportant or vestigial. However, they can actually pose a serious threat to your health if they are not removed properly. It is estimated that around 5% of the population dies from complications related to wisdom teeth.
This may seem like a small number, but it equates to thousands of people every year.
This provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause an infection. If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal. Another serious complication that can occur with wisdom teeth is cysts.
Cysts form when fluid becomes trapped in pockets around the tooth. They can grow large enough to damage nearby bones and tissues. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the cyst and save the patient’s life.
If you have wisdom teeth, it is important to have them checked by a dentist regularly. If there are any signs of problems, such as pain or swelling, you should see a dentist right away so that treatment can be started before any serious complications develop..
Tooth Extraction Death Rate
According to the National Safety Council, the tooth extraction death rate in the United States is about 1 in every 2 million people. This means that for every 2 million people who have a tooth extracted, one will die as a result. The most common cause of death from tooth extraction is due to complications from anesthesia.
Other causes of death include infection, bleeding, and embolism.
How Long is Wisdom Teeth Surgery
How Long is Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
The length of time required for wisdom teeth surgery varies depending on the individual case. In general, however, the surgery itself usually takes between one and two hours.
This does not include the time required for anesthesia or recovery.
Conclusion
It is possible for someone to die from wisdom tooth extraction, though it is very rare. The most common complication from wisdom teeth removal is infection, which can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Other serious complications from wisdom teeth removal include nerve damage, jaw fractures, and blood clots.