When a tooth is extracted from its socket, a blood clot forms to control bleeding and promote healing of the extraction wound. If the blood clot dislodges, it can lead to the formation of a dry socket, which is a painful condition.
Your bones and inner nerves become exposed, causing immense pain and discomfort. It is important to seek immediate dental treatment to prevent the risk of further complications.
In this blog, we will discuss the treatment measures of dry socket and what you can do to prevent it.
What Are The Symptoms of Dry Socket?
It is normal to experience a little pain after tooth extraction, but if you have a dry socket, you may experience more severe symptoms that do not resolve. The pain may range from a dull ache to a sharp, stinging sensation, which may worsen upon lying down. It can also radiate to the head, back of the ear and neck area.
When you self-examine the area, you may notice the bone peeking through the extraction socket. This is a visible sign of a dry socket. Other common symptoms include bad breath, foul taste in mouth, difficulty in opening and closing mouth and pain while chewing food.
If you experience any of these symptoms, the best approach is to visit our dentists immediately. Leaving it untreated can increase the risk of complications.
What Is The Treatment of Dry Socket?
The main aim of dry socket treatment is to manage pain and keep the area infection-free. To begin, your dentist will first rinse and debride the socket with a normal saline solution.
Once it is clean, a medicated dressing is placed in the socket, which helps alleviate pain and promote normal healing. The dressing needs to be changed every few days until the pain subsides. If the pain is too severe, your dentist will prescribe medications to manage the symptoms.
During the treatment duration, it is better to avoid hot and spicy food as it may trigger irritation at the extraction site. Within a few days, the socket will heal, and you will be able to resume your normal oral activities.
How To Prevent A Dry Socket?
By following the post-extraction instructions, as mentioned by our dentists, you can prevent the risk of a dry socket. Effective ways include:
- Avoid spitting, gargling, or using a straw for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. These actions may dislodge the blood clot.
- Rinse your mouth 3 to 4 times daily with warm salt water to keep the extraction socket clean.
- Avoid smoking after tooth removal until the extraction wound heals completely.
- Start with a soft diet for a few days and gradually shift to a normal one.
- Avoid eating hard, hot, or spicy items as they irritate the extraction wound.
- Take your prescribed medications to manage pain and discomfort.
Summing Up
If you experience sharp pain at the extraction site that persists, it is better to visit our practice for immediate treatment. Call Katy Cypress Oral Surgery and Implant Center at (281) 667-0607 to schedule an appointment.