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.
What is a Dry Socket?
Dry socket is a condition that occurs in the opening left behind when your tooth was extracted. Normally, when your tooth is removed this area forms a scab or clot that seals the gap, stops the bleeding, and prevents any outside matter such as food, debris, and bacteria from getting inside.
Dry socket occurs if that clot becomes dislodged and reopens the gap, exposing the tissue, nerves, and bone beneath where the tooth once was. This in turn can cause the area to bleed and experience a great deal of pain which can worsen with time and radiate throughout the jaw and up to the ear.
What Causes Dry Socket?
Dry socket can be caused by several things. Smoking can thin the blood and make it difficult for a clot to form, as can certain medications like birth control which can act as an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It can also be caused by accidental damage such as from the pressure created by drinking from a straw or by rinsing your mouth too vigorously.
How Do I Prevent Dry Socket?
While some cases of dry socket cannot be prevented no matter how hard you try, there are still several things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Do not drink from a straw until your mouth has completely healed
- Do not brush the extraction site until it has completely healed
- For the first 24 hours after the extraction, only clean your mouth by gently swishing warm (not hot!) water
- Notify your dentist before the procedure if you are on any blood thinners or birth control
- Do not smoke
How Can I Treat Dry Socket?
If you notice that your extraction site did not form a clot or lost the clot it once had, seek assistance from your dentist as soon as possible. Though your dentist cannot reform a new clot, they will clean out the socket and fill it with a special medicated paste to help protect the area so that a new socket can form. They may also prescribe you a stronger pain medication if over-the-counter medication is not helping. You will likely need to return to the dentist’s office at least once to have your dressing changed.
Dry socket is a painful condition that can slow your healing time, cause pain, and open your extraction site up to the risk of infection, but thankfully there are ways to reduce your risk of developing it. If you are having a tooth removed, be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. If you do notice any severe pain or if your extraction site loses its clot, contact your dentist at once for emergency assistance.
About Dr. Smiley
Dr. Jonathan Smiley comes from a family of dentists and has truly inherited the gene for providing compassionate care to his patients. He truly enjoys helping people take control of their oral health so they can showcase their beautiful smiles. Whether he’s performing a routine exam, a cosmetic procedure, or a tooth extraction, he takes pride in helping patients look and feel their best.
To schedule a tooth extraction at Smiley Family Dentistry, please visit our website or call us at 319-352-2270.