Can a rusted scissor used to control bleeding cause tetanus?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a molar extraction recently. My dentist prescribed me 500 mg of Amoxicillin, but I did not take the medication. I used sterile gauze instead of cotton on the extracted area to control bleeding. I cut the gauze because it was too big for me to bite. I found a dull scissor with a little rust on it (not sure if rust or dirt), and I washed it with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. I still used the scissors even though the dirt (or rust) was visible. I put the gauze on the extracted area to suppress bleeding. Now I feel slightly feverish. Did I catch tetanus or something?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your complaint and the relevant details.

Using gauze instead of cotton balls does not make a big difference. The gauze you used was not sterile because you used scissors from a normal temperature rather than a disinfected or sterilized one. Again, that does not mean you will get infected by any disease immediately. The fever you get could be for various reasons.

The bleeding must eventually stop overnight after extraction and not continue for days. Please follow post-extraction instructions such as not vigorously brushing or gargling on the extracted region and avoiding hot and spicy food for at least three days. The ultimate aim is the blood clot that has to form, which further heals the gums.

So please do not worry that you got tetanus. I advise you to take Paracetamol 500 mg thrice daily after meals for fever, and you should be alright. You can consult your specialist doctor and take medications with their consent.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help

Thank you.