A 45-year-old member asked:
can you get an abscess/infection on the gum where the tooth was taken out?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Keith Grimmanswered
Dentistry 25 years experience
Yes: If the the tooth that was extracted was severely decayed or if there was infection present before the extraction, the risk of a secondary infection after the tooth is removed is greater. Have a follow up visit with your dentist to check things out.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Ronald Achonganswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 18 years experience
Possible: Sometimes if the infection is severe, there can be residual infection in the gum. The site may have to be surgically cleaned/washed out and antibiotics will be prescribed.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Apr 4, 2015
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