Having a tooth extracted is typically a simple procedure that heals quickly. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you aftercare instructions and may inform you of a rare complication that is commonly referred to as “dry socket.”
What Is A Dry Socket?
When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the empty space to protect the surrounding nerves and soft tissue. If the clot becomes dislodged, these areas become vulnerable to pain and infection.
Preventing Dry Socket
Your dentist can address the rare case of dry socket in his office, but it’s best to avoid the experience by practicing the following steps:
- Eating and Drinking – after your extraction, when you are ready to eat, choose soft foods and chew on the side opposite to the extraction area. Stay away from sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages and don’t drink from a straw for as long as your dentist advises, usually a week or so.
- Tobacco use – smoking and chewing tobacco is a common cause of dry socket. While quitting is always advised for oral and overall health, waiting 48 hours to partake in this habit can substantially lower your risk.
- Cleaning the Area - Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning the extraction area so you don’t disturb the clot formation. Gently brush your other teeth and tongue, and after a full day has passed, rinse gently the empty socket with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Rest - Avoid vigorous physical activity such as playing sports or engaging in strenuous activity for about a week. This can also disrupt the healing process in the early stages.
If you experience serious discomfort after an extraction, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and contact your dentist if the pain does not subside, radiates to your face, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or fever.
Following your aftercare instructions, are important. Recovery from a tooth extraction should be an easy process but occasionally complications can arise. To decrease your chances of these complications even further, remember to follow the simple preventive steps above.
If you need gentle tooth extraction in Anaheim, call Southland Dental today!