Dry Socket is a rare condition that occurs
after a tooth has been pulled. Dry socket is painful and should be treated by your dentist as quickly as possible.
So what is Dry Socket?
According to Colgate, some discomfort is expected after a tooth
extraction. However, if you have intense pain that doesn’t want to go away, you
could be suffering from alveolar osteitis or dry socket.
Only about two to five percent of patients
will develop the condition, which is very uncomfortable, but treatable.
The hole that is left from the tooth will
form a blood clot in the socket to protect the nerves and the bone underneath. Occasionally
that blood clot can dissolve or become dislodged after the tooth has been
pulled. This leaves the nerves and the bone exposed to fluids, food particles,
and air. This can lead to pain and infection.
Who gets Dry Socket?
Some people are more likely to be affected by
dry socket after a tooth extraction including:
- Smokers
- People who practice poor oral hygiene
- Wisdom teeth extractions
- Greater than usual tooth trauma during surgery
- Birth control pill use
- History of dry socket after extractions
- Rinsing, spitting and sipping through a straw can also raise your risk of dry socket
Dry Socket Symptoms
Check out the extraction site. If you don’t
see a blood clot and see a white colored bone, it’s time to see your dentist.
Other symptoms of dry socket include:
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Pain
How is it treated?
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to
prevent infection and will remove any debris before filling the hole with
medication to promote healing. You will probably be asked to come back for
dressing changes until the socket has healed and your pain has diminished.
If you are having a tooth pulled, or have
recently had an extraction that isn’t healing properly, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
