If you’re aware of what dry socket is, just hearing those words is enough to make you cringe. This condition is a complication that can arise in the first couple of days following a tooth extraction, and it can result in a world of pain. While molars, especially wisdom teeth, are more likely to cause dry socket, there’s still a small chance it can happen even if you get a front tooth removed. To help you avoid this incredibly uncomfortable condition, we’ve laid out this guide to preventing dry socket in Glenpool.
But First, What Exactly Is Dry Socket?
When you have a tooth removed, your body develops a blood clot in the area to protect and help heal the underlying nerve endings and bone. Ideally, this clot should stay in place for several days until your gums have finished healing. If the clot becomes dislodged, though, it can cause the dreaded dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis. Not only is dry socket extremely painful, but it basically forces you to start the healing process all over again. For this reason, it’s important to take all the precautions you can to prevent dry socket.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
Here are a few helpful tips for minimizing your chances of getting dry socket:
Avoid Straws
The suction movement created by using a straw is one of the most common ways that post-extraction blood clots become dislodged. Don’t use a straw for at least a week after your procedure.
Don’t Smoke
Not only does the suction of smoking increase your risk of dry socket, but tobacco also hinders your ability to heal and fight infections. It’s recommended that you quit smoking for a couple of weeks leading up to your extraction. Ask your dentist or doctor for help if you’re having trouble kicking the habit.
Stick to a Soft Food Diet
For the first two days after your surgery, eat only soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce. Avoid soup, as the suction could dislodge the blood clot. Also avoid seeds, nuts, chips, and sticky foods that might get stuck in your socket.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean prevents germs from accumulating in your mouth and destroying the blood clot. Ask your dentist how you should brush after your tooth extraction in Glenpool. They might suggest you just rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash the first day and wait until the second day to start brushing.
Preventing dry socket is fairly easy as long as you adhere to the guidelines laid out by your dentist. If you notice any pain, bad breath, or a foul taste in your mouth a few days after your extraction, contact your dentist immediately. They can address the situation and get you on the path to healing right away.
About the Author
Dr. Parnam Mohanna is a dentist in Glenpool, OK with over three decades of experience working in the dental field. As a Fellow of both the Misch International Implant Institute and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he is well qualified to both extract and replace teeth. He’s also certified in sedation dentistry to help you relax during your procedure. To learn more about how to care for your mouth after a tooth extraction, visit his website or call (918) 216-1000.