Failing to care for a socket after a tooth extraction can have unpleasant consequences. Dry socket is a condition occurring when the blood clot in the recently empty socket comes out, dissolves, or fails to form before the wound heals. While intensely painful, it is preventable with proper care and precaution. Here’s a closer look at dry sockets and some of their obvious symptoms, along with some advice from your dentist for preventing them.
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket is the most common post-extraction complication and usually starts one to three days after the tooth was removed. The lack of a blood clot in the socket results in exposed bone and nerve endings and pain along the nerves to the side of the face. The socket swells and becomes irritated. Food might get caught in the empty socket, worsening the pain and possibly seeding infection.
Over-the-counter medicine is usually inadequate in treating dry socket. Your dentist or oral surgeon is the best source for treatments for the associated pain.
Some symptoms include:
- Intense pain a few days after tooth extraction.
- The socket appears empty due to the loss of the blood clot.
- Bone visible in the socket.
- Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.
- Pain on the side of the face that underwent extraction, spreading from the socket to the ear, eye, neck, or temple.
How Do I Prevent Dry Socket?
After getting a tooth removed, keeping the extraction site clean and healthy and generally not interfering with it are the best ways to prevent dry socket. Stick to soft foods for a few days after the procedure and try not to chew on the side of the extraction. Avoid using straws or drinking sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages. Be sure to drink lots of water.
Tobacco use is especially harmful after a tooth extraction. Smoking or chewing tobacco will slow the healing process and expose the extraction site to bacteria. Chewing tobacco in particular can hurt or dislodge the clot.
After tooth extraction, don’t brush the site for 24 hours. But you should still carefully brush your other teeth and tongue. After 24 hours, you can use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse out the extraction site.
Be sure to get plenty of rest after an extraction. Physically intensive activities can put stress on the wound. Taking a few days to relax at home and watch TV might not be a terrible idea at this point.
While dry socket is certainly miserable, it is not inevitable. By taking good care of the post-extraction wound, you can effectively prevent it and go about your life as usual a few days later.
About the Practice
Brecksville Dental Excellence brings the best dental care to the community of Brecksville, OH. With a passion for keeping the experience smooth and comfortable, the team is dedicated to making dentistry friendly and stress-free. For more information about maintenance following oral surgery, contact the office online or at (440) 546-9494.