It’s been a couple of days since your wisdom tooth extraction. You thought you were on the road to recovery, but all of a sudden there’s a throbbing pain in the empty space where the surgery was performed. This could be a sign of dry socket, a potentially serious condition that, while relatively rare, could complicate the healing process and cause a lot of unnecessary discomfort in the meantime. Learn more about dry sockets and how they can be prevented!
What is a Dry Socket?
When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot is formed to stop the bleeding. It’s the body’s way of protecting the damaged area while giving the bone and nerve endings underneath a chance to heal. A dry socket occurs when this clot becomes dislodged or isn’t given a chance to form in the first place. The bone is exposed, and healing is delayed.
There are actually a few different ways for dry socket to occur. For example, if you have gum disease, the bacteria from the infection can cause the blood clot to break down. Also, patients who smoke might not be able to form a blood clot at all thanks to nicotine decreasing the mouth’s blood supply.
For many people, however, the biggest risk factor for dry socket will be physically knocking the clot out of place. For this reason, you need to be careful with how you treat your mouth during recovery.
How Can You Prevent Dry Socket?
Your dentist will give you more specific aftercare instructions after the surgery, but as far as ways to avoid dry socket, here are a few general tips to follow:
- Do not use straws for at least a week. The suction could pull the clot right out of the socket.
- Quit smoking altogether. In addition to the complications that nicotine can cause on its own, dragging on a cigarette can have the same effect as sucking on a straw.
- On the first day after surgery, eat only soft foods like applesauce and mashed potatoes; you can gradually work your way up to other foods as long as they don’t cause you pain. Avoid crunchy or sticky foods that can get stuck in the socket.
- Practice good oral hygiene to stop bacteria and germs from breaking down the blood clot. On the first day, this might mean just rinsing your mouth, but after that you can start brushing very gently.
What Should You Do If You Have a Dry Socket?
If you do end up suffering from dry socket, call your dentist immediately. They can rinse out the empty space and apply some medicated dressing to cover the bone. This can relieve the pain very quickly, although you might need to have the dressing replaced every few days. The key is to act quickly; the sooner a dry socket is addressed, the sooner you can get yourself back on the road to recovery!
About the Author
Dr. Tammy Ton is a member of the Texas Dental Association and the Dallas County Dental Society. At her practice in Carrollton, LuxSmile Family Dentistry, she offers a wide menu of restorative dental services, including wisdom tooth extractions that prioritize patient comfort during the procedure. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (972) 698-5988.