The thought of tooth extraction makes most people, especially those who have dental fear, sit at the edge of their chair. However, after the surgery there comes another discomfort that may develop if you are clueless on how to prevent it. This is called dry socket. Though it is common and preventable, it’s still best not to experience it and smile away the struggle you’ve had after your oral surgery.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort afterward. The pain is mostly endurable and bearable. However, if the pain gets intense for about a week or so, you may be suffering from the symptoms of dry socket. Also referred to as alveolar osteitis, dry socket is a common dental complication that causes pain in your mouth for up to five to six days. This happens when the socket where the tooth is extracted becomes infected, or its blood clot is displaced.
Common Dry Socket Symptoms
The major indication of dry socket is severe pain. On the other hand, it can also include many other symptoms, which makes the condition more uncomfortable. Intense steady pain in a few days after the surgery only means you have a dry socket.
You can notice an empty-looking socket since there is a total blood loss at the extraction site. This also makes the bone in the socket visible. You can also feel the pain radiates from the wound to the same side of your face.
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There are changes in your mouth that can occur such as foul odour or unpleasant taste in your mouth. Also, the lymph nodes around the jaw or neck become swollen. In some cases, a person may also experience mild fever.
Simple Ways to Prevent Dry Socket
Preventing dry socket is easy, and it can start at your home. Your dentist will also provide post-operative guidelines that are really helpful for your prevention. Here are some of the useful tips to prevent dry socket:
- For women, tooth extraction must be scheduled during the last week of their menstrual cycle because estrogen levels are lower during this period.
- Don’t drink with a straw since the suction may interfere with the blood clot
- Avoid spitting and rinsing vigorously within the first 24 hours following extraction.
- Don’t smoke before of after the procedure as cigarettes can contaminate the wound and delays your mouth’s recovery.
- Keep the extraction site bacteria-free by rinsing salt water after eating and brushing the adjacent teeth gently.
Treatment for Dry Socket
If the pain continues, talk with your dentist. Treatments for dry socket may include cleaning of the wound and painkillers. Your dentist will clean the area and put a dressing in the socket. The dressing has medicine, which helps alleviate the pain. It might need to be replaced every day until the pain disappears. In addition, you can take ibuprofen or aspirin to ease the pain. Your discomfort will normally go away after a few days.
Your Adelaide Dentist helps you Prevent Dry Socket
For more information about dry socket and how you can help your mouth recover faster after tooth extractions, visit your oral care partners in Adelaide here at Beverley Dental. Our dental team re highly proficient in all forms of extractions such as wisdom tooth removal and administer same day emergency service. Beverley Dental’s comprehensive range of dental treatments and procedures helps promote and uphold superior oral health so you and your family can enjoy the benefits of strong, beautiful smiles.
Call us on (08) 8348 0011 or simply book your appointment online.
