Dental Dry Socket: Causes & Prevention

If the jaw bone becomes inflamed after a tooth extraction it may cause dry socket (Alveolar osteitis). This rare oral condition affects few; however, those who have wisdom teeth extracted are more likely to experience Alveolar osteitis. Knowing what dry socket is and what causes it is a good start to making sure that you prevent it.

The Onset Of Dry Socket

As soon as a tooth is extracted, a clot of blood forms, the thick blood clot coats and safeguards the bare jawbone. If the clot fails to form or is removed unintentionally or intentionally, the tooth socket will dry. This prolongs the time the socket takes to heal.

The Cause Of Dry Socket

The dentist explained that a build-up of oral bacteria often causes the clot to break down, resulting in uncomfortable oral infections like periodontitis. Nicotine decreases blood supply to the mouth, hence smokers tend to suffer dry socket. Excessive spitting or mouth rinsing can also dislodge the newly formed blood clot. Numerous other factors cause this distressing oral condition, including fluctuating hormones and a dense jawbone.

Preventing Dry Socket

If the dentist extracts a tooth he will tell you how to avoid dry socket. If you have had a lower wisdom tooth extracted you should follow this guidance. Patients are advised to rest after having a tooth removed. They should rest for a full twenty four hours. Excess activity is likely to dislodge the blood clot. It is wise to drink a lot after having a tooth removed. Yet, hot, carbonated, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks should be avoided. Drink plenty of water. Patients should eat soft foods for a couple of days to allow the socket to heal fully. The dentist will recommend eating custard, apple sauce or yogurt for forty-eight hours. You should only resume eating solid foods when you are certain it won't delay the healing process or cause facial discomfort.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

The dentist will tell you to be thorough with your daily oral hygiene routine after a tooth is extracted. Rinse with warm salty water every couple of hours, especially after each meal, for the first seven days. Smokers are advised not to smoke for two days after having a tooth removed. Any dentist will tell you that a percentage of people will suffer from dry socket regardless. However, dental patients who follow the above advice stand less chance of getting the painful oral condition we know as dry socket.

 

If you believe that you might be suffering from dry socket or you have any other dental care questions and concerns, it is important that you schedule a dental checkup immediately. At Family Dental Service, we prioritize all of your dental health needs. Our professional and caring staff includes 2 full-time general dentists and 4 full-time hygienists in our Allentown, PA office. We also have specialists such as an oral surgeon, orthodontist and an endodontist. Call us today to schedule an appointment. Get your dental health in tip-top shape and contact us today or give us a call at (610) 434-9660if you have any questions.  

The following post Dental Dry Socket: Causes & Prevention was originally published to Family Dental