Medically Reviewed by Evan Frisbee, DMD on April 02, 2022 You probably think having a tooth pulled is not a particularly enjoyable experience. And you no doubt
expect to have some discomfort afterward. But that's OK, you say. You can endure it when you need to. But if the pain becomes intense and perhaps even worsen after a few days, it may be a symptom of a condition called dry socket, or alveolar osteitis. Only a very small percentage -- about 2% to 5% of people --
develop dry socket after a tooth extraction. In those who have it, though, dry socket can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, it's easily treatable. The socket is the hole in the bone where the
tooth has been removed. After a tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. Sometimes that clot
can become dislodged or dissolve a couple of days after the extraction. That leaves the bone and nerve exposed to air, food, fluid, and anything else that enters the mouth. This can lead to infection and severe pain that can last for 5 or 6 days. Some people may be more likely to get dry socket after having a
tooth pulled. That includes people who: Rinsing and spitting a lot or drinking through a straw after having a tooth extracted also can raise your risk of getting dry socket. If you look into the site where the tooth was pulled, you'll probably see a dry-looking opening. Instead of a dark blood clot, there will just be whitish bone. The pain
typically starts about 2 days after the tooth was pulled. Over time it becomes more severe and can radiate to your ear. Other symptoms of dry socket include bad breath and an unpleasant smell and taste in your
mouth. You can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or
ibuprofen, to ease the discomfort. Sometimes these over-the-counter medications aren't enough to relieve the pain. When that's the case, your doctor may prescribe a stronger drug or will anesthetize the area. Your dentist will clean the tooth socket,
removing any debris from the hole, and then fill the socket with a medicated dressing or a special paste to promote healing. You'll probably have to come back to the dentist's office every few days for a dressing change until the socket starts to heal and your pain lessens. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the socket from becoming infected. To care
for the dry socket at home, your dentist may recommend that you rinse with salt water or a special mouthwash every day. Because smoking is a big risk factor for dry socket, avoid cigarettes,
cigars, and any other tobacco products for a day or so after your surgery. If you take birth control pills, ask your dentist about performing
the extraction on a day when you are getting the lowest dose of estrogen. The hormone can affect the ability of the blood to clot. Also, check with your dentist about other
medications you are taking that can interfere with normal blood clotting. After surgery, avoid drinking through a straw and spitting for the first few days. Also don't rinse your
mouth more than your dentist recommends. If you do rinse, do so gently. Be sure to visit your dentist for all scheduled follow-up visits. Are you hiding your smile because of a few missing teeth? If you answered yes, you are not alone. In fact, the American College of Prosthodontists reports as many as 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. When you have a missing tooth, not only does it affect your smile, but it can affect how you chew as well as the alignment of your remaining teeth. When patients have missing teeth, a popular solution for years has been a dental bridge, but does this offer a permanent solution? While not necessarily permanent, a dental bridge provides a long-term solution that helps give you back your smile. Key Takeaways
What is a dental bridge?When you have all your teeth, they remain in place to provide the tools necessary to bite and chew. However, if you lose a tooth or multiple teeth, your remaining teeth can shift and change position, affecting your ability to bite a chew. A dental bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a cosmetic dental restoration designed to replace missing teeth and help stabilize your natural teeth, restoring your smile and your function. While the traditional dental bridge is fixed, a removable dental bridge option is also available. This type of dental bridge is still supported by dental crowns on each side of the missing teeth, but instead of being fixed into place, removable dental bridges and crowns pop into place over the supporting teeth. This allows you to remove the dental bridge for cleaning and is often cheaper than traditional bridges. How does a dental bridge work?A dental bridge is broken down into two pain parts: abutments and pontics. The abutment is the supporting structure and can be your natural teeth with a crown in place or a dental implant. The pontic is the false tooth or teeth designed to bridge the gap. The pontic is attached to the abutment in order to stabilize your new teeth, eliminating the gap and restoring your smile and your ability to bite and chew. Are dental bridges permanent?While a dental bridge can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, they are not considered a permanent cosmetic dental solution. The length of time a dental bridge will last depends on many different factors, including:
Different types of dental bridgesWhen it comes to dental bridges, there are four main types you and your dentist may want to consider. Which type you and your dentist choose will depend on the current state of your oral health as well as the stability of supporting teeth. Conventional bridgeA conventional or traditional bridge is the most common fixed dental bridge type. This type of bridge utilizes a crown on each of the supporting teeth that are then attached to the pontic, or fake tooth or teeth. As long as your natural teeth are strong and stable, this type of bridge provides the most strength, however, it does require the removal of some enamel on the supporting teeth in order to accommodate the crowns. Cantilever bridgeA cantilever bridge is slightly different in that it only uses an abutment for support. Similar to the conventional bridge, a natural tooth receives a crown that is attached to the pontic but, in this case, there is only one supporting tooth. This option is often considered when there is only one tooth surrounding the missing tooth or when the second supporting tooth is not healthy enough to support a bridge. Maryland bridgeDeveloped by the University of Maryland, the Maryland bridge is designed for patients needing to replace missing teeth in the front of the mouth. This type of bridge does not use crowns on the supporting teeth but instead uses a metal framework that is bonded to the back surface of the teeth. This option eliminates the need to remove the enamel on the tooth as is necessary with a crown, but the adhesives are not always as strong and long-lasting as a traditional bridge. This type of bridge requires strong, healthy supporting teeth and good overall oral health. Implant-supported bridgeAn implant-supported bridge uses the same concept as a conventional bridge where neighboring teeth support the pontic. However, in this case, dental implants replace the natural teeth. This type of dental bridge is the most invasive as it requires oral surgery and the placement of implants. However, it can provide a strong, durable, and long-lasting dental restoration. When do you need a dental bridge?Even if a missing tooth or teeth are not causing you noticeable problems with eating or chewing, the fact is that missing teeth can cause oral health concerns that you can’t see immediately. When all your teeth are healthy and in place, they support each other, allowing you to chew and bite with ease. When you lose a tooth, a space opens up and your other teeth slowly seek out the room to explore. Frequently asked questionsWe frequently get asked questions when it comes to dental bridges. Here we address some of the most common questions. Can a permanent dental bridge be removed?A dental bridge is generally attached to the supporting teeth with adhesives or dental cement, meaning that it is permanently attached to the teeth and cannot simply be removed. However, if the bridge is damaged or the surrounding teeth become decayed, it may be necessary for your dentist to remove and replace the dental bridge. How common are dental bridges?Dental bridges, in various forms, have been used for generations as a missing tooth replacement. While dental advances have provided alternative options, such as full dental implants, to replace missing teeth, dental bridges are still a common option and, unlike dental implants, dental bridges are often covered by dental insurance. How long does a dental bridge last?With proper care and a quality oral hygiene routine, dental bridges can last between 10 and 30 years depending on the materials used and the type of dental bridge. How many teeth can be on a permanent bridge?How many teeth a bridge can replace depends on the condition of the supporting teeth, the bite force in the area of the missing teeth, and the position of the teeth. In general, a dental bridge can support between two and four replacement teeth. Restore your smile with a dental bridgeIf you are missing one or a couple of teeth due to injury or decay, a dental bridge can be an effective tooth replacement option that can help stop the movement of your natural teeth, help you maintain your bite and ability to chew and give you back your smile. Our team can help give you back your smileAt Soundview Family Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy smile, but we also understand that injury or decay can lead to tooth loss. While a missing tooth may not seem like it affects your everyday function, over time it can contribute to additional oral health complications. The team at Soundview Family Dental can help determine which cosmetic restorations, such as a dental bridge, can help replace your missing teeth and restore your smile. To learn more, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Eric Kitts has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. Dr. Kitts is the owner and lead dentist at Soundview Family Dental in Edmonds, WA. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington State University and his DDS from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Dr. Kitts treats each and every one of his patients with exceptional gentleness, care, integrity, and compassion, and this has made him one of Seattle Met’s top dentists for many years running. Dr. Kitts and his wife enjoy spending time with their two sons, skiing, camping, and cheering on the Seahawks. Recent Posts
How do I know if I have dry socket after tooth extraction?Signs and symptoms of dry socket may include: Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction. Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket. Visible bone in the socket.
How do I check myself for dry socket?How to know if you have a dry socket?. A significant hole on the removal site due to the dislodged blood clot.. Pain that does not go away after a week of your tooth removal.. Bone is visible in the socket.. Bad socket odor and bad breath that doesn't go away regardless of how much you brush your teeth.. A foul mouth taste.. Can a dry socket heal on its own?In most cases, dry socket will heal on its own, but as the site heals patients will likely continue to experience discomfort. If you do choose to treat dry socket at home, you need to clean the wound with cool water, irrigate the socket with saline, and keep gauze over the socket.
Is dry socket immediately noticeable?The clinical term for dry socket is alveolar osteitis. Dry socket typically lasts 7 days. Pain can be noticeable as early as day 3 after extraction. After tooth extraction, a blood clot usually forms at the site to heal and protect it.
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