There are several reasons tooth extraction can be necessary—trauma, decay, and mouth crowding to name a few. In all these cases, there is one complication from the treatment that seems to be brought up more often than not: dry socket.
Dry socket has established itself as the boogeyman of extraction treatment, but what is it and how can you avoid it? Continue reading to learn more about this rare, but painful complication that can be inflicted after tooth extraction.
What is Dry Socket?
When your tooth is extracted from your mouth, it’s removed from your jaw and gums, leaving behind a hole or socket. A blood clot quickly begins to form over the socket as the body’s natural healing processes begin to kick in. Clotting prevents infection by keeping the bacteria and food debris out of the socket.
Dry socket happens when the clot is unexpectedly removed and exposes the underlying tissues and nerves that remain within. Along with causing blinding pain, it can lengthen your healing process. When you eat or drink, food particles can easily get trapped in the unprotected hole, increasing the risk of infection.
What Causes Dry Socket?
Dry socket can develop through various means. In some instances, the clot may not form correctly, making it susceptible to being dislodged. This can be attributed to medications with anticoagulant properties, such as the birth control pill.
The act of using straws can also impact the stability of the extraction site. When suction is created in your mouth, it exerts a force that can displace the clot before it has the opportunity to properly heal.
Smoking introduces a dual risk in this regard. It not only impedes the formation of a clot but also the act of inhaling smoke creates suction that can dislodge one from the socket.
Vigorous tooth brushing or overly forceful rinsing with mouthwash over the extraction site may similarly disrupt the clot.
What Should I Do if I Get Dry Socket?
Immediately make an appointment with your dentist. Dry socket can be excruciatingly painful, so taking an NSAID pain reliever is the next order of business. If it doesn’t take the pain away completely, it can make it more bearable until you can get into your appointment with your dentist.
Once you’re at the office, your dentist will clean the affected socket and then fill it with a dressing of medicated paste to help it heal. If the socket has been infected, they may prescribe antibiotics and medicated mouthwash.
If your pain hasn’t subsided by the time you return to have your dressing reapplied, your dentist may also offer a prescription for some stronger pain medication.
Understanding the potential causes of dry socket is crucial for preventing this uncomfortable condition. Remember to follow your dentist’s post-extraction instructions carefully to promote a smooth and complication-free recovery.
About the Author
At Meadowbrook Dentistry, Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr. and Dr. Bryan Tamburro aim to exceed your expectations for dental care. Both are dedicated to the furtherance of dental technology and education through multiple professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Casañas has even taught dentistry as a professor at Booth Memorial Medical Center for over a decade. To schedule an appointment, visit the website or call (516) 346-5655 to learn more about other services.