When you have a tooth extracted, following the aftercare instructions is essential to a timely healing process. Your dentist provides these guidelines because they are tried and true ways to ensure that your extraction site closes properly and begins feeling better as soon as possible. Not following these rules can put your healing gums at risk for a condition called alveolar osteitis, or as it is more commonly known, dry socket. This can not only slow your healing time, but it can also cause a great deal of pain of its own. Here’s what you need to know about this painful condition, and how you can reduce your risk of developing it.
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