Most people are well-recovered from a tooth extraction within a week or two of their procedure. Unfortunately, a rare condition known as dry socket can significantly slow down the healing process and cause a lot of pain. What exactly is dry socket? Can it be prevented? If it does occur, how is it treated? This blog post provides the answers.
What Is Dry Socket?
Soon after a tooth is removed, a blood clot should begin to form at the extraction site. The clot’s job is to protect the empty socket; it plays an important role in your body’s recovery process. Dry socket is the condition that occurs when the blood clot fails to form or gets prematurely dislodged. It can cause intense pain, similar to what you would experience with a severe toothache.
The risk of developing a dry socket is as its peak 3 – 5 days after an extraction. However, it can happen at any time before the extraction site is completely healed.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
Although the possibility of developing a dry socket can seem scary, it is nothing to worry about for most people. In fact, it can usually be prevented via some simple precautions. For example, you should:
- Avoid the use of cigarettes and drinking straws. The suction action could dislodge your blood clot.
- Resist the temptation to touch your extraction site. You might want to feel your empty tooth socket with your fingers or tongue, but doing so could interfere with your blood clot.
- Be mindful of what you eat. Tough and crunchy foods could dislodge your blood clot. You should stick to a no-chew diet for at least a few days.
- Avoid your extraction site during oral hygiene tasks. Although you should brush and floss the rest of your mouth normally, you should not touch your extraction site with your toothbrush for at least 3 – 4 days.
- Abstain from vigorous spitting. Instead, you should swallow excess saliva or use a tissue to absorb it.
What if You Develop Dry Socket?
If you experience significant pain at your extraction site or notice that your tooth socket looks empty, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. They can treat dry socket by cleaning the area and placing a medicated dressing. You might also receive a prescription for pain relief medicine. With diligent care, most cases of dry socket clear up within a week to 10 days.
Dry socket can be painful! The good news is that it can usually be prevented, and if it does occur, it is quite treatable.
Meet the Practice
Torrington Dental Care proudly provides comprehensive oral health services to our community. If you are concerned about dry socket or have questions about what to expect after a tooth extraction, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our friendly team at 860-259-4073.