Dry Socket
The most prevalent problem following a tooth extraction is a dry socket. Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in your jawbone. You run the risk of getting a dry socket following a tooth extraction. This danger exists until you have completely healed, which could take anywhere between 7 and 10 days.
A dry socket happens when the blood clot that must have formed in the socket following your extraction is either mistakenly removed or never formed at all. Raw tissue, nerve endings, and bone are exposed in the absence of a blood clot over your socket. It can be painful, and over-the-counter painkillers may not always be effective. Once the wound has healed, there is no longer a risk of a dry socket.
You should expect to feel tight, and swollen, and on the gauze dressing, you might notice a few drops of blood, this is normal on day one following surgery. Visit your dentist right away if your discomfort worsens, doesn’t go away, or if you experience any of the symptoms listed below.
Among the symptoms of dry socket are:
- Extreme discomfort that is uncontrollable with over-the-counter drugs.
- Pain extending across the side of your face from where your tooth was extracted.
- A lack of a blood clot over your socket, visible bone in your socket, poor taste, odor, or the appearance of pus in your mouth, all of which could indicate infection.
More research is needed to determine the exact causes of dry sockets, but you're more likely to get dry sockets if you:
- Smoking
- Use oral contraception.
- Don’t follow proper wound care.
How to Avoid Dry Socket?
Avoid doing the following:
- Smokin
- Consuming hot or acidic drinks like tea, orange juice, or soda that can cause your blood clot to dissolve.
- Consuming crunchy food that can become stuck in the socket.
- Drink through a straw.
- Aggressive mouth washing.
- Alcohol and alcohol-containing mouthwash.
- Cleaning of losing the area around your socket’s teeth.
Our recommendation following the tooth extraction is that gauze is administered to the extraction site for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery. This helps to build a blood clot and can reduce the chance of developing a dry socket.
To treat a dry socket:
The wound will be cleaned by your dentist, who will also administer painkillers right away. They’ll swap out the gauze and provide you with comprehensive instructions for keeping the area secure and clean. You might be prescribed antibiotics, a special mouthwash, or painkillers.
