Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is among the most common complications of a tooth extraction, which occurs when a blood clot does not develop in the tooth’s socket, or if it dislodges or disappears. The condition typically occurs three to five days following surgery and can be extremely painful if left untreated. Find out how to identify a dry socket and get essential advice for emergency dentist treatment.
Dry Socket Signs and symptoms
You may feel an aching, throbbing pain in your jaw or gum. The pain may sometimes be more intense than the original toothache. Symptoms of often include:
- Intense steady pain a few days after the tooth extraction
- Partial or complete loss of the blood clot at the tooth socket
- Visible bone in the socket
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Pain that travels to the ear and eye on the same side as the socket
- Bad breath
- Swollen lymph nodes around the neck and jaw
Risk factors
Your chances of developing dry socket increases if:
- You smoke
- You do not follow your dentist’s instructions following the tooth removal
- You’re over 25 years old
- You have a history of dry socket
- Your extraction was complicated
Dry Socket Treatment: Self-care methods
Controlling pain should your top priority even though a dry socket rarely leads to infection or serious complications. The following dry socket treatment tips will help you reduce symptoms and promote healing:
- Take pain medications as prescribed by the dentist
- Apply cold packs on the outside of your face, next to the affected area for the first 2 days following the extraction. Apply warm packs after this period to reduce pain and swelling
- Avoid tobacco products – this includes cigarettes
- Stay hydrated with plenty of clear fluids. This will also prevent nausea associated with certain pain medications
- Brush your teeth gently around the affected area and rinse your mouth with warm salt water frequently
Be sure to keep scheduled appointments with your dentist and call him or her if pain returns or worsens.
Prevention
Your dentist may recommend medications to help prevent dry sockets. These include:
- Antiseptic mouthwashes or gels to be used immediately before and after surgery
- Antiseptic solutions to be applied on the wound
- Oral antibiotics, especially if your immune system is weakened
- Medicated dressings following surgery
What you can do before surgery
Taking these steps can help prevent dry socket before your surgery:
- Stop smoking before the examination, if you smoke. Tobacco products often increase the risk of dry socket in patients. Your dentist may be able to help you join a program to quit permanently
- Let your dentist or surgeon know if you’re taking any medications (including over the counter ones) and supplements as they may interfere with blood clotting
What you can do after surgery
Your dentist will provide you with instructions after a surgery on how you can take care of the wound and prevent complications. These instructions will most likely address the following:
- Rest after the surgery and return to normal activities the next day. However, avoid strenuous exercise and sports to prevent the clot from dislodging
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeinated, hot or fizzy drinks. Avoid drinking with a straw as the sucking might dislodge the clot
- Consume soft foods for the first day and semi-solid foods the next day. Avoid chewy, hard, spicy, acidic or hot foods for a week
- Don’t smoke for at least 48 hours post-surgery
- Clean your mouth gently while avoiding the extraction side. After the first 24 hours, rinse with salt water every two hours while you’re awake for one week following surgery