Each year, for various reasons, millions of Americans opt to have one or more teeth taken out. In fact, according to the American Public Health Association, 10 million wisdom teeth alone are removed in the United States each year. The days immediately following a tooth extraction are a critical period for the healing process. If certain precautions are not taken, you could wind up with an uncomfortable case of dry socket! Whether you had a tooth extracted due to decay or removed impacted wisdom teeth, follow the tips below to prevent painful complications.
What is Dry Socket?
Dry socket, known clinically as alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction when the body’s natural healing process breaks down or is interrupted.
Usually, a blood clot forms over the tooth socket – the space that once held the tooth – after a tooth has been extracted. This blood clot protects the underlying bones and nerve endings and allows the healing process to take place.
However, sometimes the clot can dissolve or become dislodged, leaving the site where the tooth was removed exposed. Dry socket is a painful complication that rarely goes away without treatment by a dental professional.
Symptoms of dry socket include:
- Severe pain a few days after tooth extraction
- Persistent bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- An empty-looking socket or visible bone in the socket
5 Tips to Avoid Dry Socket
While dry socket is never 100% avoidable, here is advice you should follow to reduce the chances of it happening to you:
- #1: Avoid tobacco use – Smoking and using tobacco can increase your risk of developing dry socket after tooth extraction. In fact, smoking anything at all after having a tooth removed – including vaping, for example – is risky, as inhaling quickly to pull in smoke can dislodge a blood clot in your mouth.
- #2: Avoid straws – If you prefer using straws when you drink, you may want to hold off for at least one week after a tooth extraction. The suction movement of your mouth can dislodge your blood clot.
- #3: Avoid certain foods – Stay away from foods that can get stuck in your socket, such as nuts, seeds, chips and sticky candies. Instead, opt for soft foods immediately after your surgery, like yogurt, applesauce or mashed potatoes.
- #4: Share your medical information – Certain medications thin the blood and can prevent a blood clot from forming. For this reason, be sure to share what medications you are currently taking with your dentist.
- #5: Practice good oral hygiene – Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent germs and infection from attacking and breaking down the blood clot. Ask your dentist for specific tips on how to brush your teeth after an extraction surgery.
If for any reason your blood clot does dislodge or dissolve, do not hesitate to contact a dentist in McKinney right away. Professional treatment will ensure any problems following a tooth extraction are stopped in their tracks before they can become a major pain.
About the Practice
The dedicated team at OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics provides comprehensive oral care to patients of all ages, from young children to senior citizens. With a general dentist, orthodontist and implant dentist all on staff, patients can turn to the McKinney practice for everything from a routine dental checkup to dental extraction to full mouth reconstruction. For more helpful oral care tips, visit the OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics website or call 469-526-4040.