Tooth extractions are common dental treatments. After a tooth is extracted, some patients may experience a complication known as dry socket, which can be painful and slow healing. Knowing what dry socket is, what the signs and symptoms are, and how to avoid it will help keep your mouth healthy after an extraction. If you experience intense pain following an extraction, see a dentist South Edmonton right away for treatment!
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket, also referred to as alveolar osteitis, occurs when the blood clot that would normally fill the empty tooth socket is lost early or does not form properly. The blood clot is critical because it protects the bone and nerve endings in the socket while healing occurs.
If the clot is missing, the bone and nerves are exposed. This causes pain, infection risk, and delays recovery.
Here’s a quick comparison to better understand
| Normal Healing After Extraction | Dry Socket Condition |
| A blood clot forms in the socket. | The blood clot is missing or lost |
| The socket is protected during healing | Bone and nerves exposed |
| Mild soreness that improves daily | Severe pain that worsens after 2–3 days |
| Normal recovery time | Slower recovery with risk of infection |
Causes of Dry Socket
There are many factors that contribute to dry socket. Common causes include
- Poor blood clot formation – If there is any disturbance in the body’s formation of a proper clot, the healing process will be disturbed.
- Smoking or tobacco use – Nicotine will slow down healing and can dislodge the clot.
- Drinking through a straw- You are creating suction and could potentially pull out the clot.
- Spitting excessively after extraction- Again, you are potentially creating suction to help dislodge the clot.
- Poor oral hygiene – Not keeping the mouth clean could lead to a poor healing process with an infection, which would break down the clot.
- Certain medical conditions or medicines – For example, conditions affecting blood flow can increase the risk.
Symptoms of Dry Socket
When you are aware of the signs of dry socket, it allows you to receive treatment at an early stage. The common signs of dry socket include
- Severe pain that starts 2–3 days after the tooth extractions South Edmonton that can be more severe than the original toothache.
- Pain spreading to the ear, jaw, or temple on the same side.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Visible empty socket with exposed bone (instead of a dark blood clot).
- Slow healing or recovery compared to the normal healing time.
If you notice these symptoms, you should see a dentist near you for treatment immediately.
How to Avoid Dry Socket
Many patients ask, how to avoid dry socket? Prevention is possible if the patient follows the dentist’s instructions. Here are some important tips
- Follow aftercare instructions – Do not rinse or spit excessively for the first 24 hours.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco – These increase the healing time.
- Do not use straws to drink– The suction could cause the clot to come loose.
- Eat certain foods only- Be sure to stick to foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes for the first few days.
- Gentle oral hygiene – You can still brush your teeth, but be gentle. Do not touch the area of the extraction for the first day.
- Take prescribed medications—If the dentist has prescribed antibiotics or pain-relieving medication, be sure to take them as prescribed.
Treatment of Dry Socket
If you are suffering from a dry socket, only a dentist can properly treat it! Treatment of dry socket generally includes:
- Cleaning the socket to remove any food particles or infection.
- Putting a medicine that goes inside the socket to relieve pain and promote healing.
- Getting pain medicine or antibiotics if necessary
- Scheduling follow-up appointments to check your recovery
When to See a Dentist Near You
Never ignore any discomfort after the extraction. Mild or light aching may occur for a few days after extraction. However, if the pain remains the same or worsens over time, then it is a dry socket. Besides, if one experiences serious pain, bad breath, or visible bone, then they should quickly find a dentist near you. The early treatment can help you avoid complications.
Get Expert Dental Care for Extractions!
Jagare Ridge Dental delivers safe and gentle dental care to patients of all ages. Our team is dedicated to keeping your teeth and gums healthy through dental treatments. We use the latest dental procedures to ensure that every dental visit is as comfortable and effective as possible. Contact Jagare Ridge Dental at (780) 760-8882 and set up your visit today!