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Dry Socket: Get the Facts on Prevention and Treatment

by | Jun 17, 2015 | Dental Article, Dental Checkup in Bondi, General Dentistry in Bondi, Oral Health, Wisdom Tooth Removal

Dry Socket: Get the Facts on Prevention and TreatmentMost people who underwent tooth extraction develop dry socket afterward. Also called as alveolar osteitis, dry socket is the most common postoperative complication from extractions such as removal of an impacted wisdom tooth. This happens when the blood clot at the extraction site doesn’t form properly or is dislodged, thus delaying the normal healing process of your mouth.

What are the symptoms?

If you’re experiencing severe steady pain within a few days following the surgery, then that could be due to dry socket. However, this is not the only sign to look out for. Another indication of dry socket is an empty-looking hole where the tooth was pulled out and visible bone in the socket since there is a loss of a blood clot in the wound. You will also have swollen lymph nodes and nasty odour or taste in your mouth.

Who are at Risk of Dry Socket?

Women are more at risk of developing dry socket than men. On the other hand, women who take oral contraceptives are twice susceptible to this complication compared to those who don’t. They are about 30% more likely to get dry socket when extractions are performed within the first 22 days of their menstrual cycle. This is because high levels of estrogen from oral contraceptives may affect the healing processes and intensify the woman’s probability of dry socket.

The Prevention

Prevention of dry socket is not hard at all. You only need to take aside some of your habits in the meantime so you can help your mouth recover faster. The faster your mouth heals, the quicker you can enjoy the foods you want to eat or activities you want to do in a day.

  • Avoid rigorous exercises and activities for about a week after the tooth extraction
  • Drink plenty of water but skip from caffeinated, alcoholic, carbonated or hot beverages.
  • Don’t drink with a straw to avoid dislodging the blood clot
  • Eat only soft foods. Avoid hard and chewy or spicy foods as they can irritate the wound
  • You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water after the first 24 hours
  • Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco before or after surgery

The Treatment

There are different ways to treat dry socket. Your dentist will clean the tooth extraction site and place medicated dressing in the wound. The dressing should be changed daily until the pain goes away, and the socket starts to recover. The doctor may also prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like aspirin or ibuprofen to ease the pain.

High-quality Extractions and Dry Socket Prevention in Bondi

Now that you have an idea what is dry socket and how it is developed, you can help yourself prevent such complication and get your life back after your mouth completely heals. For more information involving dry socket, visit us here at Bondi Dental. We perform safe and reliable tooth extractions procedures including wisdom tooth extractions. Our high-quality dental treatments promise to bring out the best in your smile and in your oral health in the best way possible.

Contact us today to claim your FREE Dental Consultation on dental checkup, smile make-over, and dental implants.

Call your Bondi dentist on (02) 9365 7187 or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 134 Curlewis St in Bondi Beach.

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