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Going for a dental visit that involves the extraction of a tooth can be the most unpleasant one. It is because the word ‘tooth extraction’ is a scary term in itself. But, the pain of the tooth extraction procedure is nothing more than just a prick of the needle, thanks to the availability of the anesthetic solution. The real pain, however, might start with a dry socket that can happen after tooth extraction. The pain caused by a dry socket can be unbearable. Good thing is that you can avoid it.

What is a dry socket?

The process of tooth extraction results in a socket, which refers to an empty slot. Immediately after the surgeon pulls the tooth, blood rushes into the socket to form a clot. This clot prevents nerves from getting exposed to foreign elements and air. The dislodging of this clot before the healing of the surgery site results in a dry socket, which exposes the sensitive nerves. It can lead to extreme pain and discomfort.

How to treat dry socket

In many cases, the pain caused by dry socket is manageable through over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. In severe cases, you may need to consult your physician for prescription pain medication. If you notice the dislodging of the clot from the surgery site, you will need to contact your dentist right away. The dentist will clean the area and cover it with gauze to protect it from infections. You will also need to take antibiotics to prevent infections. The dentist might suggest you rinse your mouth with salt water to encourage the healing of your dry socket.

Avoiding dry socket

After tooth extraction, you should avoid drinking fluids from straw and smoking. If you have been taking birth control pills, you may want to stop doing so because the estrogen in those pills can prevent the clotting of blood. You may want to talk to your dentist to discuss the best time for surgery. You should discuss every medication you take with your dentist during this discussion. The dentist will analyze the impact of those medications on your ability to recover after surgery.

The socket will take its time to recover after surgery. During this time, you will want to avoid anything that could result in the dislodging of the clot. For instance, you may want to switch to soft foods. Eating pasty foods and having soups is the best way to avoid any impact on the socket. It may take a couple of days for the surgery site to recovery, so you may want to stick to that altered diet plan during this period.

To prevent dry socket, make sure to maintain your oral hygiene in the best possible way. It will help you reduce the risk of infections that can occur as a result of the presence of germs. You may, however, need to ask about the best way to brush your teeth in these circumstances from your doctor. Your doctor may also suggest you antibacterial mouthwash to prevent any bacterial buildup in your mouth.

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