After a tooth extraction, your mouth should return to feeling normal within a week or two. In rare cases, though, the recovery process does not go as expected. Some patients experience a complication known as dry socket. What exactly is dry socket, and how can it be prevented? This blog post shares some important information.
What Is Dry Socket?
After your tooth gets removed, a blood clot should form at the extraction site. It plays an important role in your body’s healing process, and it protects the underlying bone and nerve endings. When the blood clot fails to form or gets prematurely dislodged, dry socket occurs.
Dry socket causes significant pain. If you see exposed bone at the extraction site, or you are struggling with severe discomfort that radiates from the empty tooth socket, you may have this condition.
How Can Dry Socket Be Prevented?
You can keep your risk of dry socket to a minimum by adhering to some simple precautions:
- Do not drink through a straw. The suction action might dislodge your blood clot.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco. Tobacco products can slow down your body’s healing response. Smoking can also create suction that endangers the blood clot at your extraction site. If you smoke, you should wait at least 48 hours after your procedure before you light up a cigarette. Be sure to inhale very gently.
- Eat soft foods. Hard and crunchy foods could interfere with your blood clot and increase your discomfort. Try to stick to soft choices for at least a few days. Applesauce, pudding, brothy soups, and even ice cream are all acceptable choices.
- Be careful with oral hygiene. You can start brushing your teeth the day after your extraction. However, you should be very gentle around your tooth socket.
- Do not spit or swish vigorously. Salt water can reduce inflammation and swelling, but you should not swish it vigorously around your mouth. Use gentle motions. When you spit, do so carefully.
- Rest. Too much physical exertion could interfere with your body’s healing process. Take it easy for a few days.
What If You Develop Dry Socket?
If, despite your best efforts, you end up with dry socket, visit your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as you can. A medicated dressing and other measures can reduce pain and help you to recover. Most cases of dry socket heal within 7 – 10 days.
Dry socket is a rare but serious post-extraction complication. The good news is that it can usually be prevented!
Meet the Practice
The three board-certified oral surgeons at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are proud to offer a range of treatments for our patients, including surgical tooth extractions and treatment for dry socket. If you have questions about tooth removal or what to expect afterward, we are ready to speak with you. Contact our Houston office at 713-783-5560.