Fortunately, however, it only occurs in an estimated 1. And, while dry socket can be uncomfortable, there are ways to either prevent it altogether or effectively treat it. Keep reading to learn more about this condition, including how long it lasts and what you can do about it! One of the early steps in the healing process is the formation of a blood clot that protects the empty tooth socket almost like a scab that forms on the skin after a cut. Dry socket occurs when this blood clot either dissolves or becomes dislodged, exposing the tissue and sensitive nerves underneath.
Dry socket usually occurs within days of an extraction and more commonly in the lower jaw. If not, a dentist may do further investigations to rule out complications.
The dentist will flush out the socket with a saline solution or other fluid that helps clean wounds. This will remove food particles or germs that may be causing pain or infection. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be necessary to change the dressing several times.
It is essential to manage the pain until the dry socket heals. Many people will require prescription medication to provide enough pain relief.
If symptoms are mild, OTC painkillers may work. Antibiotic medication may be necessary if an infection develops in the socket and begins to spread to other areas of the mouth. In addition to dental treatment, home remedies can provide further relief. Self-care and home remedies include:. Certain steps can help people to reduce their risk of developing a dry socket. Tips for prevention include:. Dentists recommend this before as well as after the extraction. Some OTC or prescription medications may reduce blood clotting.
Others, such as oral contraceptives, can affect the healing process and increase the risk of dry socket. It can be helpful to drink plenty of water after a tooth extraction. Eating soft foods for the first 24 hours can also reduce the risk of irritating the extraction site. People should avoid alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks.
Dry socket is a very painful condition when a blood clot in an extraction site falls out too early. This exposes the underlying bone and causes intense pain. It is usually caused by creating a sucking motion — such as drinking through a straw, smoking, or vigorous mouth-rinsing. Within the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the empty hole left in the jaw bone. If the blood clot comes out before the bone has healed enough, this can be detrimental to healing and cause complications like dry socket.
But after the 4th day, your risk for dry socket is much lower as the blood clot will have enough time to form. A dry socket looks like an empty hole with a light color at the bottom of the extraction site. The light color is from the white-ish bone showing. A normal extraction site is a socket with a dark red blood clot formation covering the bone. The color of the material over the bone in a dry socket will vary, ranging from yellow to grayish-green to a darker red.
The color will differ based on the type of dry socket you might have. Yes, dry socket can be extremely painful. It feels like a severe aching that begins in the extraction site and radiates out. Timing is everything. This condition usually requires dental treatment. Your dentist will take a look and decide on the type of treatment based on the condition of the exposed bone and your level of pain.
To clean out the tooth socket, your dentist will carefully remove debris from the extraction site and irrigate it. International Journal of Dentistry. Postextraction problems. Merck Manual Professional Version.
Tarakji B, et al. Systematic review of dry socket: Aetiology, treatment, and prevention. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. Hupp JR. Prevention and management of extraction complications. In: Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Louis, Mo. Sharif MO, et al. Interventions for the prevention of dry socket: An evidence-based update.
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