Understanding The Causes And Remedies For A Dry Socket
Posted on 11/15/2023 by Weo Admin
A dry socket is a rare occurrence that happens after tooth extraction. The dry socket presents in the form of throbbing pain which translates to healing and recovery interruption. Most dry sockets happen during the first seven days after tooth extraction.
Triggers for a dry socket
A dry socket is caused by the disappearance of the blood clot in the tooth socket after an extraction. The blood clot essentially covers the jawbone and socket to prevent exposure. An exposed tooth socket is susceptible to bacterial and viral attack infection.
A preexisting infection before the extraction may significantly impede the blood from clotting. Additionally, even if the clot forms, still the bacteria may breakdown it down leading to exposure.
Chemicals such as those contained in cigarettes can also hinder the supply of blood and thereby interfering with the clotting process. Sudden movements such as aggressive rinsing, spitting, and sucking can cause the blood clot to disintegrate.
Symptoms of a dry socket include bad breath, pain either in the neck, eyes, ears, or jaw, headaches and a visible bone in the affected socket.
Remedies for a dry socket
The most important step is to contact the doctor for an examination. You do not want to risk self-medicating without being sure if the issue is a dry socket. Our dentist can prescribe pain medication to manage the pain. Besides medication, applying a cold ice pack may come in handy.
Do note that the cold press is to be placed on the cheek near the affected area. This helps with numbing the pain and doing away with the swelling. Rinsing with warm salt water can also help to reduce inflammation.
After the procedure, consider starting with soft foods until the socket heals. Some of the foods to consider include mashed potatoes, bananas, and yogurt. Crunchy and hard foods will only irritate the wound and tamper with the clotting.
Over and above, maintaining a clean mouth during and after recovery is crucial. Learn more about tooth extraction aftercare from our dental care professionals today.
Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center
Dr. Melody J. Schiffer Dr. Gary Greenwald Dr. Andrew Kurialacherry Dr. Nisha Kancherla
A dry socket is a rare occurrence that happens after tooth extraction. The dry socket presents in the form of throbbing pain which translates to healing and recovery interruption. Most dry sockets happen during the first seven days after tooth extraction.