How to Avoid Dry Socket

If you have ever had a tooth extracted, you may have heard warnings about avoiding dry socket. Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, occurs when the blood clot that forms in the empty tooth socket gets dislodged or disappears, and the sensitive tooth nerves and bone is exposed underneath. Not only can dry socket be very painful, but it can also greatly increase your risk for infection at the extraction site. Here’s a closer look at dry socket and how to avoid it the next time you have a tooth removed.

Shortly after a tooth is extracted, a blood clot naturally forms in the socket. This is your body’s way of forming a protective layer (like a scab) to cover up the nerves and bones that were recently exposed from extracting the tooth. This blood clot needs to stay intact and in place long enough for the extraction site to fully heal. When this process is disturbed or the clot gets removed, consequences can result.

Are You at a Greater Risk?

Fortunately, only about 2-5% of patients develop dry socket. There are many factors that can cause dry socket. Some are within your control, such as drinking through a straw or smoking. Others, however, may not be something you can change, like your advancing age or bone density.

Here are some common factors that can increase your risk for dry socket:

• Advancing age
• Bone density
• Pre-existing infection
• Lower molars
• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Women who use oral contraceptives or estrogen products
• Poor oral hygiene

How Do I Know If I Have Dry Socket?

First and foremost, you’ll experience a notable increase in pain, usually four to five days after your oral surgery. Other symptoms can include an occasional foul taste in your mouth or bad breath.  Always inform your dentist immediately if you suspect you may have dry socket.

Avoiding Dry Socket

It is important to disclose your full medical history to your dentist before your tooth removal procedure, as certain medications and health conditions can influence the way your blood clots and thus lead to dry socket. In general, you will be given the following post-operative instructions to avoid dry socket:

• No smoking for one-week post operation
• Avoid using a straw for one week
• Avoid irritating foods (spicy, hard, crunchy)
• Avoid touching the socket
• Avoid spitting
• No vigorous activity
• No vigorous swishing of fluids

Just because you feel fine the day after your tooth extraction, doesn’t mean you should hit the gym for a hard workout or go out for chips and salsa. Following these post-operative rules can ensure you don’t end up with worsening pain and a trip back to the dentist. For more information on tooth extractions and what to expect, contact Gilreath Dental Associates.