What Causes Dry Socket And How To Prevent It After A Tooth Extraction
Posted on: 16 November 2017
There are some instances where it may be necessary to pull a tooth rather than save it. Having a tooth pulled is a simple procedure and recovery is usually quick. However, in some cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop. This requires additional care by your dentist to control pain and inflammation. Fortunately, dry socket can often be prevented by following your dentist's instructions for recovery after an extraction. Here is some information on dry socket and how you can prevent it.
What Causes Dry Socket
After you've had a tooth pulled, a blood clot normally forms in the gap that protects the bone and helps with healing. If the clot fails to form or if it is dislodged, then the bone in the gap is exposed. This condition may arise a day or two after having your tooth pulled and it is usually very painful. If you experience intense pain after having your tooth pulled, let your dentist know. He or she can put a dressing over the gap to protect the bone and stop irritation and pain while you heal from the extraction.
How To Prevent Dry Socket
Your dentist will provide you with instructions on preventing dry socket during your recovery. This entails avoiding activities that would dislodge the clot such as smoking, drinking through a straw, and strenuous exercise. You should also avoid sipping hot liquids. You'll need to eat a soft diet for a day or two and eat small bites at a time so you don't overwork your jaw.
Your dentist will probably pack the gap with gauze right after the extraction, and you'll need to keep your mouth clamped on it for a short period to help stop the bleeding so clot formation can begin. Let your dentist know if you take aspirin or any other blood thinners as these could affect how well a clot forms in your jaw. You might have stitches after the extraction too. If so, these might dissolve on their own or you might need to return to your dentist to have them removed later. Whether you have stitches or not, be sure to let your dentist know if bleeding doesn't stop or if it restarts the day after you've had the extraction.
The pain from an extraction usually goes away quickly. You might have some tenderness and soreness as a result of the procedure, but strong pain could be a sign of a dry socket. If you have any concerns, be sure to call your dentist's office for advice so you can receive prompt treatment if dry socket develops. For more information, check out websites like http://www.silveradofamilydental.com.
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