A dry socket is a condition that can potentially occur after a tooth is removed. The good news is that it’s very rare; it only affects about 2% to 5% of tooth extraction patients. However, if it does occur, it can cause a lot of discomfort and extend the amount of time that your mouth needs to heal. As such, protecting your smile from a dry socket after a tooth extraction is of the utmost importance. Here’s a look at what the condition is and what you can do to prevent it.
What Exactly is a Dry Socket?
When a tooth is taken out of your mouth, a blood clot forms at the extraction site. Its purpose is to keep the underlying bone and nerve endings safe while the gum tissue is healing. However, if the blood clot is dislodged prematurely, the result is a dry socket that leaves the nerves and bone exposed, which is often highly uncomfortable.
What Can You Do to Prevent a Dry Socket?
If you want to avoid a dry socket, then your top priority should be to keep the blood clot safe until the healing process is complete. Here are some tips that can help you accomplish this goal:
- Do Not Use a Straw: Drinking through a straw creates a lot of suction in your mouth that could potentially disturb your blood clot. As a precaution, you should not use a straw for at least a week after your procedure; drink all beverages directly from the cup instead.
- Stay Away from Certain Foods: It’s best to stay away from hard or sticky foods after a tooth extraction. Instead, plan on only eating soft foods for the time being.
- Focus on Good Oral Hygiene: Harmful oral bacteria can potentially break down your blood clot, so make sure that your mouth stays clean. Continue brushing your teeth while being very gentle around the area where the extraction was performed. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can also help.
- Don’t Smoke: Studies show that people who smoke are significantly more likely to end up with a dry socket. It’s best not to use any tobacco products while your mouth is trying to heal.
What if a Dry Socket Does Occur?
Even if you do everything right, a dry socket might still occur. If it does, the best thing you can do is call your dentist. They can take a look at the area and figure out the best way to relieve any discomfort that you might be experiencing.
The possibility of a dry socket is definitely something you need to be aware of after a tooth extraction, but if you simply follow the steps outlined above – along with any other instructions that your dentist provides – you can avoid any major issues and keep the healing process on track.
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin is a graduate of the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and she is a member of the American Dental Association as well as the New Jersey Dental Association. At Skyline Dental in Springfield, she can perform tooth extractions in order to help her patients protect the overall health of their smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Henkin, visit her website or call (973) 949-0925.