Tooth extractions are a relatively common surgery, and most people find they have no complications at all while healing. Show
That said, one complication that may occur is alveolar osteitis, also known as dry socket. Let’s talk about what dry socket would mean for you, symptoms, risk factors, and how to manage it at home. In this article:
What is dry socket?When you go through tooth extraction surgery, it will temporarily leave your bone and nerves exposed. This is a bit of a risk, so to help protect the socket and heal the wound the body produces a blood clot in the hole. This covers the sensitive area, and stops the bleeding. Alveolar osteitis, commonly known as dry socket, is when a blood clot fails to form over this tooth extraction site, falls out of the hole, or dissolves before the wound has a chance to heal. What does dry socket look like?A healthy tooth extraction site will likely have a noticeable blood clot at the bottom of it (assuming you can see into the socket – which may be difficult if it’s quite far back in the mouth!). If the blood clot is missing, or especially if you notice something white at the bottom of the socket, you may be developing dry socket. That white colour could be exposed bone, which is cause for concern. Other signs you may have complications due to dry socket include black, green or yellow discoloration – seeing these in or around the socket could mean you have an infection that must be taken care of as soon as possible. How long does dry socket last?Dry socket can last up to a week or two, causing pain, swelling, and putting your mouth at risk of infection. It usually develops within three or so days of having a tooth extracted and is more common in the lower jaw. That said, normally you wouldn’t leave dry socket alone without visiting your dentist for a check-in. If you experience pain in the extraction site for more than a few days in a row, it’s probably safest to pop back in for a consultation and let us take a look. Dry socket risk factors – who is likely to get it?Dry socket can happen to anyone. However, these risk factors may increase the chance that it occurs:
Symptoms of dry socket
10 tips for preventing dry socket1. Talk to your dentist about your medicationsSome common medications (such as birth control pills) can affect the body’s ability to form blood clots. We highly recommend that, before you have any teeth extracted, you talk to your dentist about any prescriptions you’re taking so we can factor that into your treatment plan. 2. Try to limit smoking before and after the procedureAs described earlier, smoking is a major risk factor of dry socket - and gum disease in general. The chemicals can contaminate your exposed tooth extraction site and increase the risk of infection, in addition to slowing the healing process. The act of sucking may also dislodge your blood clot. Consider avoiding smoking as much as possible before and after your surgery, or quit entirely. Note: While chemicals differ between products, this advice applies to any kind of smoking – be it tobacco, marijuana, vaping, hookah, and so on.
3. Don’t drink anything through a strawSucking increases your risk of dislodging the blood clot; the pressure that sucking puts on the mouth can pull the clot right out of the socket. Avoid using a straw, or any other product requiring a sucking action, for about a week 4. Try not to spitSpitting can put some of the same pressure on the mouth as sucking, again potentially dislodging your blood clot. If you must spit, try to do so as gently as possible in those first few days, up to a week. To remove toothpaste from your mouth during this time period, try to gently push it out and let it drool rather than spit it.
5. Rinse based on your dentist’s adviceYour dentist will give you individualised advice on what mouthwash or rinse to try, and how often to use it. Generally speaking, you’ll be rinsing very gently for the first few days and will probably be asked to avoid rinsing near the extraction site in the first 24 hours. 6. Consider using warm salt water to rinseSalt water is well-known in the dental community to help with inflammation and reduce the risk of infection. As a part of treating your extraction site at home, you can try rinsing gently with a warm salt water solution about twice a day – to promote healing and keep the site clean. But how much salt to use? Half a teaspoon per cup of water is relatively common – you don’t want it to be too salty or it may be more irritating to the mouth than helpful! 7. Switch to soft foods for a few daysHard foods can cause damage to the tooth extraction site and dislodge your blood clot, so for a few days you may wish to avoid them (imagine what a spikey nacho crisp might do to a sensitive hole in your mouth). In the first 24 hours after surgery, try to consume only very soft foods – like soup and yoghurt. In the few days following you can diversify a bit, but still stay away from particularly hard or crunchy items like crisps and crackers, or granular food such as grains and nuts. 8. Avoid chewing near the extraction siteChewing in the area of a fresh tooth extraction can also increase the risk of dry socket – food debris could bump a newly formed blood cut right out of the hole. This may be particularly tricky if you’ve had a few teeth extracted at once. Try your best to avoid chewing in the area of each site as best you can, for at least a few days. 9. Feeling sore? Try a cold or hot packOn your first day after surgery you may experience pain and swelling in the area of the extraction. Holding a cold press (for swelling) or hot press (for pain relief) to the outside of your face can help with some of these symptoms, although we would recommend asking your dentist about pain management tips before or after your surgery – they may also recommend anti-inflammatory pain medications like ibuprofen. 10. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few daysRigorous sport and exercise is an activity that could put you at risk of developing dry socket by increasing the chance your blood clot will become dislodged. Plan to rest for the remainder of your surgery day, to give your body a head start on healing. Then, in the few days that follow, avoid strenuous physical activities. Thereafter you can start to wind back up again, although your dentist will be able to recommend an individual plan if sports and exercise are important to your daily life. How to treat dry socketWhat to do if you develop dry socketWhile you can help prevent dry socket at home, if you believe you have developed the condition then it’s time to come back for a check-in with your dentist. The site will need to be checked, cleaned, medicated and dressed. Call Kowhai Dental on 09 430 0707 or book an appointment online so we can help you. What will my dentist do to treat dry socket?
6 tips for caring for dry socket at home1. Take your medicationIf your dentist prescribes any medication – for example, ibuprofen as mentioned earlier – make sure you read any instructions given to you and follow them closely. 2. Try a salt water rinseJust as salt water can help with the prevention of dry socket, it can also help with the treatment. This is generally considered a good way to fight bacteria in the mouth and promote that healing we need.
3. Use a cold or hot compressAs mentioned, cold can help with issues of swelling, while heat is useful for soothing pain. You might start with a cold compress on the day of your dry socket treatment and then switch to heat after the first day or so. 4. Keep the area (and your mouth) cleanKeeping your mouth clean is vital to ensuring the safe healing of dry socket. Beyond rinsing with salt water or an antiseptic, brushing your teeth, tongue and gums properly, as well as flossing regularly, will help keep bacteria at bay.
5. Stay hydratedDrinking lots of water is very important when you’re trying to heal, as it can promote the healing process. It’s also vital for someone on pain medications. Nausea is a common side effect of certain pain meds and anti-inflammatories, and one of the worst things that can happen to your mouth right now is vomiting. Staying hydrated is a powerful way to mitigate the risk that you’ll feel nauseous from your meds.
Need to book a dentist appointment?It pays to be safe when it comes to your oral health. If you’re ever unsure about your tooth extraction surgery, preventing dry socket or treating dry socket, we would highly recommend that you talk to a professional. To book your appointment, call us on 09 430 0707, book online, or pop into our office at the heart of Whangarei. How do you know if you have a dry socket feeling?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.
What does a dry socket feel like in your mouth?The symptoms of dry socket can vary, but may include: severe pain, visible bone, bad breath, a foul taste in your mouth, and radiating pain to your ear, eye, neck or temple. The partial or complete blood clot loss at the tooth extraction site looks and feels like an empty socket.
How do I know if it's normal pain or dry socket?Dry sockets become increasingly painful in the days after a tooth extraction. They may also have exposed bone or tissue, or an unpleasant smell. By comparison, normal healing sockets get less painful over time and do not cause any other symptoms. A dry socket can be very painful, but it is not usually serious.
Will it be obvious if I have a dry socket?You often cannot see a dry socket. Discoloration of a healing site is normal. A normal clot will often appear white in the mouth as it matures. The pain may keep you up at night and is often not fully treated by over the counter pain medicines.
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