While you may have been worried about an upcoming tooth extraction, you may be relieved that your dentist made it as comfortable as possible for you. Your oral health is now preserved, and you just have to recover. One complication that can occur during this is developing a dry socket. Thankfully, this painful condition is preventable, so continue reading to learn more about it and how you can avoid it.
What Does It Mean to Have Dry Socket?
When you have a tooth extracted, your body will need some time to heal afterward. Your gums will close the empty socket that remains by filling it with a blood clot. This helps cover the sensitive nerve endings and keeps the area clean.
That being said, it can become dislodged or dissolved through things like drinking with a straw or enjoying a hot beverage. If it gets removed before the initial healing is done, it turns into a dry socket. The jawbone tissue and nerve endings become exposed, causing these symptoms:
- Severe discomfort in the first few days after your treatment that may spread across your face and head
- You have bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- The socket looks empty, or you can see the jawbone through it
Is There a Way I Can Prevent Dry Socket?
The good news is that you can take steps to avoid getting a dry socket. Here are some easy tips you can follow while recovering:
- Stick to eating soft foods, such as applesauce or mashed potatoes, as they help reduce any stress on your smile. Keep sticky sweets or chewy items off your plate as they can increase your chance of dislodging the blood clot.
- Avoid drinking out of a straw since the sucking motion can cause the helpful clot to come out. Anything caffeinated, hot, carbonated, and alcoholic can dissolve it or irritate your gums. Instead, drink water to help wash away harmful bacteria.
- Keep up with your oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth and tongue. This will remove any plaque that can cause some issues. You might even consider rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help encourage healing.
- Take it easy for a few days and let your body focus on repairing the socket. Strenuous activities can displace the blood clot and slow down your recovery.
Dealing with dry socket may not be the most fun, but following these easy tips above can help you prevent it. In no time, you will be back to pristine and enjoy a pain-free smile once again.
About the Practice
At 325 Dentistry, you benefit from a father-son prosthodontist duo. We understand how needing a tooth extraction can be stressful, so we use state-of-the-art technology to help give you a more comfortable treatment. It’s understandable to be worried about developing a dry socket after your treatment, so we help by sending you home with aftercare instructions to ensure smooth healing. If you have any questions about this condition, schedule an appointment or call our office at (325) 692-0565.