Experiencing flu-like symptoms after dental work is a common occurrence especially in people with a weak immune system. This happens due to the infection that affects the treated site. When this takes place, bleeding, swelling, pain, and fever might occur, making you feel like having flu. Woonona Dentists’ clinic near Wollongong advises to always consult your dentist when this unpleasant situation happens to you.

Dental Work And Your Health

Imagine yourself feeling extra lousy for the past couple of days because of the pain that you feel in your teeth. Typically, you will go to your dentist to figure out what’s been going on. Unfortunately, you find out that one of your teeth is in need of dental work and that it needs to be done as soon as possible. Given the worrier you are, you proceeded with the procedure and let your dentist do the work.

One of the most common kinds of dental work that causes flu-like symptoms is extraction. Teeth removal surgeries are not as complicated as they seem. But just like other surgical operations, it poses several complications if done poorly.

A dental work that is executed in a careless manner might result in certain complications like, bleeding, swelling, pain, and fever. You will most likely feel that you have flu and the symptoms might even get worse if left neglected. This is true especially for risky procedures like dental implant surgery.

Flu-Like Symptoms After Dental Work

While most dentists are good at what they do, sometimes the flu-like symptoms that you are feeling are just your body’s response to the procedure. You may not be aware but you are probably suffering from a weak immune system or underlying health conditions.

For example, you might be allergic to some metals which are commonly used in dental restorations. If this is the case, you might suffer from headaches, nausea, and dizziness. In random cases, the following flu-like symptoms might take place after dental work:

• Nausea. The most common symptom that you might feel after dental work is nausea or dizziness. This is often caused by the anesthetics and medication especially if you underwent multiple tooth extraction procedures. The symptom could hang around for five days and leave you feeling under the weather during the whole week. If lasts longer than it should call the dental office right away.
• Ear pain. Pain in the ear could be caused by multiple reasons. It may be due to muscle strain as a result of the lengthy operation, an infection, improperly aligned teeth, or you just simply have an allergy or cold that triggers the pain. Your dentist should know how to relieve the pain.
• Pressure. The flu-like symptoms could also include pressure in the treated tooth which might even cause sensitivity. This should subside in a week or so but if the unbearable pain persists, let your dentist know of your situation.
• Extreme pain. Tooth pain is probably one of the most irritating and annoying sensations to go through. Pain after dental work is quite common because the bone close to the site is usually open and exposed after the procedure. This is the reason why you need to replace the dressing given by your dentist, it can easily relieve pain along with pain relief medication.
• Sore throat. Another flu-like symptom to watch out for is sore-throat. This is often caused by dehydration due to prolonged operation that leaves your mouth open for quite some time. Your throat might be a little tender after the dental work but it should be relieved by drinking plenty of water or coconut water. However, if the sore does not go away, you’re most likely suffering from an infection that needs immediate medical attention.
• Sore jaw. Just like sore throat, this is usually caused by keeping your mouth open for a long time during the procedure. The muscles in your jaw become stiff and sore giving a painful sensation. A hot compress or muscle stretching exercises can reduce the pain.
• Lip sore or blisters. If you have a history with the common occurrence of blisters in your mouth, you are probably exposed to a viral infection called herpes simplex. Being exposed to the virus means getting blisters in your mouth from time to time. Sometimes, dental work could trigger the symptoms too, it would be better to inform your dentist about this prior to the treatment for prevention purposes.

It’s not unusual for a patient to feel flu-like symptoms after dental work. Your dentist can effectively help you in reducing the symptoms as long as you are following the aftercare procedures. You can also prevent the spread of infection by strengthening your immune system and considering preventative measures before the actual procedure.

Preparing For A Dental Work

The best way to at least lessen the flu-like symptoms that you might experience after dental work is by preparing yourself. You may opt to follow these simple guidelines below:

• Understand the pre-operation and aftercare instructions. Your dentist will give you a list of things for you to follow before and after the surgery. It contains information about the dental tools, anesthetics and medicines that they will use along with how the procedure will take place.
• Do not be afraid to ask questions. Your dentist will always be willing to answer your queries and concerns. In fact, they would very much appreciate it if their patients are willing to learn more about the dental work because that would indicate that they are paying attention to their oral health.
• Prepare your prescribed medicine. Make sure that you have anti-inflammatory drugs prepared before the procedure. You may ask your dentist for a prescription.
• Bring a friend. You will most likely feel sleepy and drowsy after the operation so be sure to bring someone to drive you home.
• Get enough rest. Prepare yourself by preparing your body as well. It is advisable to get a complete sleep before the procedure to guarantee that your body is ready for the anesthesia and the surgery.
• If you have any health conditions or if you are taking pre-existing medication, inform your dentist beforehand. This is to make sure that your current medication will not be a hindrance to the recovery period.

You can contact the dentists from BID Castle Hill if you need to book an emergency dental appointment.