Oregon Careers in Healthcare

After a tooth extraction procedure, a blood clot forms in the open socket. This clot is important for optimal healing of the underlying dental tissue. If it is lost or damaged, one of the most painful dental problems could occur. This is known as a dry socket. Alternatively called alveolar osteitis, a dry socket will mostly occur after the removal of the lower wisdom teeth. Once it develops, it leaves behind exposed nerves and bones that are prone to infection. An oral surgeon from a clinic in Burwood dentalspot.com.au explains how a dry socket happens. Read on to see the details.

Accordingly, when the blood clot becomes dislodged, there are several ways that alveolar osteitis could develop. Therefore, it’s imperative to know these causes as a way of preventing dry socket. Smoking is the main cause of a dry socket as the suction force it creates can remove a blood clot. The same could happen if you drink from a straw or let food particles lodge in the place of the clot. Spitting, coughing and sneezing can also cause food particles to drop into the open socket. Obviously, poor oral hygiene, wound trauma and the use of birth control pills can all cause dry sockets.

What are the signs that you have a dry socket?

It is necessary to note that dry sockets occur within the first five days after a tooth extraction process. Once there is a dry socket, there will be obvious signs. These are:

– Dull, throbbing pain that radiates from the dry socket itself and travels through the jaw to the ear area

–A bad taste or smell in your mouth.

-A dry looking opening where the clot once occupied or where it should have formed.

Tips on preventing dry socket

If you are not dealing with this yet, you should learn how to prevent it from ever happening to you. There are simple things you can do to reduce your odds of a tooth removal resulting in a dry socket. First, follow your dentist’s advice on how to take care of your open socket. These are:

–Practice proper oral hygiene. This includes rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution after every meal.

–Don’t brush your teeth in the next 24 hours

–Don’t touch or lick the open wound at all.  Simply change gauze after it becomes soaked in blood.

–Don’t smoke in the 24 hours after the procedure. If possible, try to quit for a while.

–Avoid solid food as it is likely to leave particles in the empty socket. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, pudding and soup should be fine.

–Don’t drink carbonated drinks like sodas; avoid drinking from straws.

–Tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking prior to the extraction process. This will help them offer the right guidance about the drugs to stop using and those to continue taking.

Conclusion

Now you know what a dry socket is, what causes it, its signs and how to prevent it from occurring. If you think you have it now, call your dental professional instantly to schedule treatment.