Every tooth inside your mouth plays an important role, but sometimes, certain problematic teeth might need to be removed for the benefit of your smile. In fact, tooth extraction is a fairly common procedure these days. That said, something that can sometimes happen following an extraction is a condition known as dry socket – but is this something you should be worrying about at every corner of your recovery? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket is a common issue that can occur following tooth extraction; in fact, it occurs in roughly 2% to 5% of tooth extraction cases, and it’s most likely to follow wisdom tooth removal. It happens when the blood clot, which forms over the hole where your tooth was, dislodges or doesn’t form at all. Without this important clot, your bone and nerves become exposed, leading to often intense pain and rapidly slowed healing.
What Are the Obvious Symptoms of Dry Socket?
Worsening pain in your mouth and face is the most common symptom of dry socket, normally occurring two or three days after the extraction. Other notable symptoms include:
- Pain at the extraction site
- Pain felt in your head or neck
- Bad breath
- Foul taste in your mouth
Can Dry Socket Be Prevented?
In truth, you can’t always prevent dry socket – but there are several things you can do to reduce your risk. Consider the following:
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products; people who smoke are over three times as likely to experience dry socket!
- Do not use a drinking straw; the suction force can easily dislodge blood clits. Avoid straws for at least one week following your tooth extraction. Likewise, swishing too vigorously with mouthwash can dislodge the clot(s).
- Poor oral hygiene and not keeping the surgical site clean can result in bacterial contamination.
How Is Dry Socket Treated?
If you do end up with dry socket, don’t fret – while it might be painful at first, your dentist can easily help! They’ll be able to rinse and clean the socket before placing medicated gauze over it to ease your pain. You might also be instructed to take over-the-counter pain relievers and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. If your dentist suspects you have an infection, you might be prescribed a course of antibiotics. In most cases, though, a dry socket will heal on its own – but don’t hesitate to seek help if your discomfort is severe.
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Eduart Shkurti, the team at ED Family Dental has served the needs of patients and families in Astoria, NY for several years, proudly offering a wide range of services including tooth extractions as well as same-day emergency appointments. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team, please reach out online or by phone for more information or assistance. Telephone: (718) 806-1662.