Is your Wisdom tooth pulled out recently? Are you suffering from a dry socket? Dry socket means inflammation within an empty tooth socket. This dental problem can occur after tooth extraction.
How does a Dry Socket develop?
Generally, after a wisdom tooth removal, a blood clot forms over the tooth socket. The blood clot guards the nerve endings in the bone which is a natural part of the healing method.
In some cases, the blood clot either fails to develop or becomes dislodged. Accordingly, the bone and nerves in the socket get exposed to bacterial contamination. A dry socket takes time to heal, and it can be really painful.
Symptoms
- blood clot lacking from the socket
- severe pain in the gum or jaw
- bad breath
- very bad taste coming from the socket
- acute ear-aches
- pain spreads throughout your face
- bone can be exposed at the area of the extraction
How to Prevent Dry Socket?
Dry socket prevention is not too difficult. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a patient should avoid the following:
- Creating suction: Smoking and drinking using a straw can create suction. This loosens your clot and delays healing. Quit these for at least a week.
- Smoking: Smoking delays healing and also heightens blood pressure, which results in more bleeding. Chemicals such as nicotine minimize blood flow in the mouth and may disturb clotting.
- Hard Food and Carbonated Drinks: Consume soft-foods for quite a few days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid hot food/drinks and chewing crunchy and spicy foods.
- Spitting: Do not spit for the first few days.
- Chewing from the same side: Chew on the side of your mouth opposite to the extraction area.
- Vigorous mouth rinsing: Do not rinse your mouth too hard. It is essential to do it firmly in order to avoid interrupting the blood clot.
- Alcohol: You should not consume alcoholic beverages or use a mouthwash containing alcohol for the first 24 hours. Or there is a chance of the clot becoming dislodged.
- Physical activity: Take some time to rest. You should decrease strenuous activity for the initial 24 hours. This lessens bleeding and helps the blood clot develop.
- Poor Hygiene: Wait for a minimum of 24 hours before you wash the extraction area. Allow the clot to form. You can brush your other teeth and tongue. Gently rinse your mouth the next day with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Don’t poke into the gap with your tongue, finger, toothpick, tissue, or other stuff. It delays your healing time.
- Visit your Dentist: Make sure to visit your dentist at the scheduled time.
Get the care!
Are you in the search for a ‘Dentist near me’ in Dallas, TX? Then call us at Village Family Dental. Your Dentist in Dallas will provide you the best treatment and suggest you with the after-care so that you don’t experience a dry-socket.
