Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure due to extensive tooth decay, periodontal disease, and trauma. More than ninety percent of Americans also have their third molars, known commonly as wisdom teeth, removed. While most of these procedures only result in a minimal amount of short-term soreness, a more severe condition known as a dry socket occasionally happens.
To find out more about dry socket, and other dental issues schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What is a Dry Socket?
After tooth removal, you have holes where the roots of the tooth were previously in the jawbone. Blood clots typically fill these holes. The blood clot protects the bone, prevents pain, and promotes healing of the socket with healthy bone. However, if this blood clot gets dislodged, alveolar osteitis or bone inflammation occurs. The common name for this dental condition is dry socket.
What Causes a Dry Socket?
Anything that causes the loss of the blood clot from the socket can cause a dry socket. The common causes include:
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Drinking with a straw.
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Food lodging in the socket.
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Spitting.
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Coughing.
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Sneezing.
What Are the Risk Factors for Dry Socket?
Fortunately, a dry socket seldom occurs after tooth extraction. The risk factors for dry socket include:
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Smoking and other tobacco products
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Oral contraceptives
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Periodontal disease
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Poor oral hygiene
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Not following aftercare instructions
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Previous dry socket
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Dental infection of a surrounding tooth
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Difficult removal of tooth
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Socket?
Mild to moderate discomfort occurs after most tooth extractions. Pain medication typically relieves this, and healing occurs uneventfully. However, a dry socket causes various symptoms that require professional dental care. These symptoms include:
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Severe pain. This pain usually begins a few days after the extraction, and the pain can radiate to other parts of your mouth, jaw, and ear.
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Halitosis. A dry socket causes a distinctive bad breath.
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Significant hole. After losing the blood clot, you have a noticeable hole in the jaw.
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Visible bone. Instead of the red clot, you notice the white exposed bone.
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Unpleasant taste. No matter how much you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
How is Dry Socket Diagnosed?
If you have severe pain a few days after a dental extraction, you should call your dentist for an evaluation. It is essential to rule out other causes, such as a bone abscess. The most common cause of severe pain after tooth removal is a dry socket, and the diagnosis is confirmed by:
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A visibly lost blood clot.
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A history of pain that begins within the first week after the extraction.
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A foul odor that comes from the mouth.
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Visible bone in the sockets.
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Pain when irrigating the extraction site.
Can Dry Socket Be Prevented?
You can begin preparing for the best possible extraction site early by eating a healthy diet and staying well-hydrated. Other strategies include:
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Avoiding all tobacco products.
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Don’t use a straw for at least one week after surgery.
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Maintain proper oral hygiene.
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Get plenty of rest.
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Avoid certain foods such as nuts, seeds, and sticky foods that increase the risk of damaging the socket.
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Closely follow all aftercare instructions.
How is Dry Socket Treated?
Professional treatment of a dry socket aims to minimize the pain and promote healing. Treatment may include:
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Flushing debris and food particles from the socket.
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Placing a medicated dressing which usually brings quick pain relief.
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Recommending the appropriate pain medication.
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Taking specific home care measures that you can take, such as gently flushing the socket with a plastic syringe.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Trident General Dentistry today for a comprehensive oral examination and teeth cleaning and learn how you can have a brighter and healthier smile.