{"id":120,"date":"2019-09-02T00:43:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T00:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theoakbrookdentist.com\/blog\/?p=120"},"modified":"2019-10-24T12:31:15","modified_gmt":"2019-10-24T12:31:15","slug":"tooth-pulled-follow-5-tips-avoid-dry-socket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theoakbrookdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/09\/02\/tooth-pulled-follow-5-tips-avoid-dry-socket\/","title":{"rendered":"Tooth Pulled? Follow These 5 Tips to Avoid Dry Socket"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Woman<\/p>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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What is Dry Socket?<\/h2>\n

Dry socket, known clinically as alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction when the body\u2019s natural healing process breaks down or is interrupted.<\/p>\n

Usually, a blood clot forms over the tooth socket\u00a0\u2013\u00a0the space that once held the tooth\u00a0\u2013\u00a0after a tooth has been extracted. This blood clot protects the underlying bones and nerve endings and allows the healing process to take place.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of dry socket include:<\/p>\n