Although learning you need to have a tooth extraction isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite thing to hear, the good news is that this treatment can often alleviate a lot of discomfort that could be plaguing your smile. Unfortunately, however, if you’re not careful during the healing process, you could put your mouth at an increased risk of a painful condition known as dry socket, which occurs when the clot forming in your extraction site falls out prematurely. Not only does this hurt, but it also leaves you vulnerable to infection. Here’s how you can protect your mouth and lower your odds of developing dry socket after having a tooth pulled.
What is Dry Socket?
Dry socket is the condition that occurs when the empty space in your mouth where there once was a tooth loses the blood clot forming inside prematurely. Ideally, this clot should stop the site from bleeding while protecting the underlying tissue and bone from infection and irritation from bacteria and food particles while the gums heal. Unfortunately, they sometimes fall out or loosen, exposing the socket and causing a great deal of pain.
How Do I Prevent Dry Socket?
Although premature loss of a clot isn’t completely preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of it happening, including:
- Avoiding drinking from a straw for the first 48 hours or more after your extraction, as this may put excess pressure on your mouth and cause the clot to fall out.
- Not using tobacco products, including cigarettes, vapes, chewing tobacco, or cigars for at least 24 hours post-procedure. They can thin your blood and make it harder for a clot to form.
- Avoiding touching or cleaning your extraction site for at least 24 hours. You can still brush and floss your teeth but be careful around your socket.
- Never using your fingers, tongue, or toothbrush to touch the extraction site for at least 24 hours and never attempt to remove sutures yourself.
- Avoiding eating anything too hard, sticky, or chewy for at least two to three days, and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth as the extraction site if possible.
If you do lose your clot early, or if you notice the pain in the extraction site is worsening instead of improving, call your dentist as soon as possible. Dry socket must be treated swiftly to prevent infection and eliminate any discomfort it may cause.
Remember, to ensure safe healing, it’s very important to take excellent care of your extraction site in the immediate days after your procedure. Thus, be sure to follow your aftercare instructions, and if you experience any pain or signs of infection, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
About Our Practice
At Splendid Smiles Dental Studio, Dr. Ashish Nayak and Dr. Sachi Brahmbhatt are the caring and compassionate husband-and-wife duo that work together to help give you your whitest, brightest smile. To schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction, visit our website or call us today at 540-680-4880.