Acute Dental Infection Management
Acute Dental Infection Management is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Complications After Dental Surgery? Call (503) 822-0096 Immediately Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM.
If Something Does Not Feel Right After Dental Surgery, Trust Your Instincts
Most dental surgeries heal without incident, but complications can and do occur — and knowing the difference between normal healing and a problem that needs intervention is not something you should have to figure out alone. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) after extraction, post-operative infection, excessive bleeding, wound dehiscence, nerve paresthesia, and oro-antral communication are all recognized complications that we manage routinely. If you had surgery at another office and are experiencing problems, we welcome you as an emergency patient. Call (503) 822-0096 and describe what you are experiencing.
Dr. Gvozden has managed post-surgical complications throughout his oral surgery career, from simple dry socket treatment to surgical repair of oro-antral fistulae and management of inferior alveolar nerve injuries. Our approach begins with accurate diagnosis: a CBCT scan reveals retained root fragments, sequestra (dead bone), sinus involvement, or infection that clinical examination alone may miss. We then implement evidence-based treatment specific to the complication.
Dry socket — the most common post-extraction complication, occurring in 2 to 5 percent of routine extractions and up to 30 percent of lower wisdom tooth extractions — develops when the blood clot is lost or dissolves prematurely, exposing bare bone to air, saliva, and bacteria. The pain is distinctive: a deep, radiating ache that starts three to five days after extraction and does not respond to standard painkillers. We treat dry socket with medicated dressings that provide almost instant relief, and our use of PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) at the time of extraction reduces dry socket risk by more than 70 percent.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Evidence-Based Management of Post-Surgical Dental Complications
A systematic review in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reported that PRF placement in extraction sockets reduces dry socket incidence from 12% to 3% in third molar sites. Research in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery found that CBCT imaging detects retained root fragments with 97% sensitivity, compared to 71% for panoramic radiographs. For oro-antral communications, studies show that primary closure within 48 hours achieves a 95% success rate, while delayed closure after established fistula formation drops to 67%. These numbers reinforce our protocol of early, aggressive management of any post-surgical complication.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Dr. Jovan Gvozden's oral and maxillofacial surgery training included management of the full spectrum of post-surgical complications, from outpatient dry socket treatment to operating room management of deep space infections following third molar surgery. At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, his experience ensures that complications are recognized early, diagnosed accurately with CBCT imaging, and managed decisively.
Your Acute Dental Infection Management Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive acute dental infection management evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your acute dental infection management options, timeline, and costs.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
From Dr. Ostovar: Don’t Wait — Call Now
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from acute dental infection management are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Dental emergencies get worse with time, not better. If you’re reading this page because you’re in pain right now, stop reading and call us at (503) 822-0096. We hold emergency slots every single day — including weekends. My front desk team knows to prioritize emergency calls.
I’ve seen patients wait days with a dental abscess because they thought it would resolve on its own. It won’t. An untreated dental infection can spread to the airway, the bloodstream, or the brain. That’s not meant to scare you — it’s meant to motivate you to pick up the phone.
We have IV sedation, 3D imaging, and a full surgical suite available for emergency cases. Whether it’s a cracked tooth that needs a crown, an abscess that needs drainage, or a knocked-out tooth that needs reimplantation — we can handle it in one visit.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS | Emergency Dentistry, Beaverton, OR
I know the idea of acute dental infection management might sound intimidating. Many patients at our Beaverton office felt the same way — until they experienced how comfortable the process actually is.
Are You a Candidate for Acute Dental Infection Management?
Most patients in good general health are candidates for acute dental infection management. However, certain factors may affect your eligibility or require modifications to the treatment plan:
- Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or blood-thinning medications may require coordination with your physician before treatment.
- Bone quality: For acute dental infection management involving the jawbone, adequate bone density is essential. A CBCT 3D scan during your consultation determines this precisely.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly impairs healing. We strongly recommend quitting 2-4 weeks before and after any surgical procedure.
- Age: There is generally no upper age limit. What matters is your overall health, not your age. We have successfully treated patients in their 80s and 90s.
The only way to know for certain is a consultation with our board-certified specialists. Call (503) 822-0096 to schedule your evaluation — we’ll tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for your situation.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have dry socket?
Dry socket typically develops three to five days after extraction. The hallmark symptoms are severe, throbbing pain that radiates to the ear or temple, a visible empty socket without a blood clot, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste. Standard pain medication provides little relief.
Can you treat dry socket if I had my extraction at another office?
Yes. We routinely manage dry socket and other post-surgical complications for patients whose extractions were performed elsewhere. Call (503) 822-0096 for a same-day appointment. You do not need a referral.
How is dry socket treated?
We gently irrigate the socket to remove debris, then place a medicated dressing containing eugenol (clove oil) that provides almost instant pain relief. The dressing is changed every one to three days until the socket begins healing with new tissue. Most patients need two to three dressing changes.
Is it normal to have swelling five days after extraction?
Swelling typically peaks at 48 to 72 hours and then progressively decreases. Swelling that is increasing at five days, especially with fever or worsening pain, suggests infection and warrants immediate evaluation. Call (503) 822-0096.
I am bleeding heavily after my extraction — what should I do?
Bite firmly on a folded piece of clean gauze or a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes without releasing. If bleeding does not stop after two attempts, call (503) 822-0096 immediately. We can apply hemostatic agents and sutures to control post-operative bleeding.
What is an oro-antral communication?
An oro-antral communication is an opening between the mouth and the maxillary sinus that can occur after upper molar extraction, particularly when roots were in close proximity to the sinus floor. Symptoms include air escaping through the extraction site when blowing your nose and fluid from the mouth entering the nasal passage.
My lip is still numb days after surgery — is that normal?
Prolonged numbness after lower jaw surgery may indicate inferior alveolar nerve bruising (neuropraxia). Most cases resolve within weeks to months. However, persistent numbness should be evaluated promptly because early intervention improves nerve recovery outcomes.
Can a post-surgical infection happen even with antibiotics?
Yes. Prophylactic antibiotics reduce but do not eliminate infection risk. If you develop increasing swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or purulent drainage from the surgical site while on antibiotics, call us immediately for evaluation.
How long after surgery can complications develop?
Dry socket typically appears at days three to five. Infection can develop anytime in the first two weeks. Delayed healing, sequestration, and oro-antral fistula may present weeks to months later. Any concern at any time point warrants a call to our office.
What is a bone sequestrum?
A bone sequestrum is a small piece of dead bone that separates from the surrounding healthy bone and works its way to the surface through the gum tissue. It feels like a sharp spicule poking through the gum. We remove it with a brief office procedure under local anesthesia.
Should I stop blood thinners before the follow-up visit?
Do not stop any medication without consulting both our office and your prescribing physician. Current guidelines generally recommend continuing blood thinners for dental procedures. We use local hemostatic measures to manage bleeding risk.
Is it normal to have a bad taste after extraction?
A mild taste from the blood clot and healing tissue is normal in the first few days. A foul taste or odor persisting beyond three to four days may indicate dry socket or infection and should be evaluated.
How much does post-surgical complication treatment cost?
Dry socket treatment is typically $100 to $200 per visit. More complex complications such as surgical repair of an oro-antral communication vary depending on the procedure required. If your original surgery was performed at another office, we bill separately as a new patient.
Can I prevent dry socket?
Risk factors you can control include avoiding smoking for at least 72 hours after extraction, not using straws, not rinsing vigorously, and following all post-operative instructions carefully. Our use of PRF at the time of extraction reduces dry socket risk by more than 70%.
When should I go to the ER instead of your office?
Go to the nearest emergency room if you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow, have uncontrolled bleeding not responsive to pressure, or have a fever above 103 degrees Fahrenheit with rapidly spreading swelling. For all other post-surgical concerns, call us at (503) 822-0096.
Something Wrong After Dental Surgery? Call (503) 822-0096 — We Can Help Today
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026