If you’re planning to undergo a tooth extraction soon, you should make sure that you’re prepared for the recovery process afterward. You may have heard of a complication known as dry socket that can sometimes occur after a tooth has been removed. How worried do you need to be about this potential problem? Here’s a quick look at what dry socket is, how likely it is, and what you can do to avoid it.
What is Dry Socket?
When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms at the site where it used to be. Said blood clot is meant to protect exposed bone tissue and nerve endings while your mouth is recovering; it will also play a role in the healing process. However, if the blood clot falls out, dissolves, or never forms at all, the result is a dry socket.
One of the most notable symptoms of a dry socket is the significant pain that it can cause. Furthermore, it could potentially delay the healing process, and it may even lead to an infection.
What are the Odds That Dry Socket Will Occur?
Fortunately, dry socket is actually not all that common. It only occurs in about 2% to 5% of tooth extraction patients, meaning the odds of you developing the condition are low. That being said, “highly unlikely” should never be confused with “impossible.” Regardless of how rare dry socket is, it’s important to take whatever steps you can to prevent it from happening.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Dry Socket?
The most important thing you can do to minimize your risk for dry socket is to carefully follow any aftercare instructions from your dentist, which will likely include the following:
- Do not use straws. Drinking through a straw causes suction in your mouth that might dislodge your blood clot.
- Plan on getting plenty of rest after your procedure. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for a while, as it could cause bleeding at the extraction site.
- Do not directly brush the extraction site until your dentist says it’s okay. After the first 24 hours, you can start gently rinsing with salt water multiple times a day to keep your mouth clean.
- Do not spit. If there’s an excessive amount of saliva in your mouth, simply stand over a sink and let it flow out.
In short, while the odds of dry socket occurring aren’t very high, it still pays to do whatever you can to avoid it. Of course, if you do happen to develop this complication, you should let your dentist know immediately so that they can determine the best way to help you.
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care in Kent, there are multiple dental experts who aim to make getting quality dental care easy and stress-free. If you ever need to have a tooth removed, they will help make sure that the extraction process is as comfortable as possible. If you would like to schedule a consultation at our office, visit our website or call (253) 854-2714.