After getting a tooth extracted, most people are well-recovered within a week or two. However, if complications arise while you are healing, that could extend your recovery time and significantly increase your post-treatment discomfort. One issue that arises in roughly 2 – 5% of cases is called dry socket. What is dry socket, and should you be worried about it? This blog post explains what you should know.
What Is Dry Socket?
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot should form at the extraction site. When that blood clot fails to form or gets prematurely dislodged, dry socket occurs. This is a painful complication that can happen after almost any type of tooth extraction, but it is more common after the removal of wisdom teeth.
Preventing Dry Socket
Remember, dry socket is relatively rare. Even more encouraging is the fact that there are steps you can take to keep your risk to a bare minimum. Here are some tips to that end:
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink through a straw.
- Do not eat hard or crunchy foods that might irritate your extraction site.
- Be careful when using your toothbrush; it should not touch your extraction site.
- Avoid extremely hot and cold foods.
- Do not touch the extraction site with your fingers or tongue.
- Do not spit or rinse your mouth vigorously.
- Carefully follow any other post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist.
Treating Dry Socket
On the small chance that you do end up with dry socket, do not panic. Even though this condition is very uncomfortable, it is also highly treatable. If you notice that your tooth socket looks empty, or you are experiencing pain at your extraction site, call your dentist. They may be able to get you in for an emergency appointment. Often, medicated dressing is used to dull pain and help the extraction site to heal. Most cases of dry socket are resolved within 7 – 10 days.
Before your appointment, you may be able to reduce your discomfort by taking pain relievers. You can also try gently moving warm salt water around your mouth to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
You do not need to be overly worried about dry socket. However, you should acknowledge it as a possibility and take steps to prevent and/or manage it.
Meet the Practice
Our Nashville practice operates under the leadership of Dr. James Kirby, an experienced dentist who offers both regular tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal. If you are concerned about the tooth extraction process or what to expect during the recovery period, he and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact Green Hills Dental Center at 615-327-2123.