When preparing for tooth extraction, it’s important to be aware of what you’ll need to do to take care of your mouth during your recovery after the procedure. In particular, you will want to take whatever steps are necessary to avoid a dry socket – a condition that can slow down the healing process and cause a significant amount of discomfort. Here’s what you need to know about dry socket prevention.
What Exactly is a Dry Socket?
Once a tooth is removed, a blood clot will form in the socket where it used to be. The purpose of the blood clot is to keep the underlying bone and nerves safe while your mouth is still healing. However, if the blood clot becomes dislodged, it will cause a dry socket. This condition can cause intense pain, and it leaves the bone and nerves vulnerable to bacteria attacks.
How Can You Prevent a Dry Socket?
Fortunately, preventing a dry socket isn’t too difficult. You simply need to be proactive about keeping the extraction site clean and protecting it from anything that might dislodge the blood clot. Here are a few of the steps you should take:
- Be careful about what you eat. Stay away from any foods that are hard or require a lot of chewing; stick to a soft food diet until your mouth has sufficiently recovered.
- Drink all of your beverages directly from the cup. Do not use a straw, as the suction might pull the blood clot out of its socket.
- Be extra gentle while brushing your teeth. From the second day onward, it’s recommended that you use an antibacterial mouthwash.
- For at least a few days, avoid any kind of strenuous exercise. Physical exertion increases blood flow, and as a result, the extraction site might start bleeding again.
- Do not use tobacco products during your recovery. Smoking could easily dislodge your blood clot due to the quick inhalation involved. Also, tobacco can have an adverse effect on the healing process and significantly boost your risk for infection.
What Should You Do if a Dry Socket Occurs?
If you notice signs of a dry socket – such as significant pain or visible bone at the extraction site – you should schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. They can help put a stop to your pain, and they might apply medication to the socket if necessary.
A dry socket can be extremely uncomfortable, but luckily, it’s an avoidable issue. Before your tooth extraction, talk to your dentist to see if they have any additional advice for making sure that your blood clot stays where it needs to be after your treatment.
About the Practice
At Avion Dental & Orthodontics, our bilingual dental team is proud to provide affordable, comfortable dental care to both adults and children in Dallas. When you come to us for a tooth extraction, we’ll take whatever steps we can to make sure your treatment is as comfortable as possible. To schedule a consultation at our practice, visit our website or call (972) 807-9887.