A painful condition that can arise after a tooth extraction is a dry socket. If you suspect you have a dry socket, it’s in your best interest to seek treatment to alleviate the discomfort and avoid complications. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about dry sockets and the importance of scheduling an appointment with our tooth removal & extraction/dentists located in Basking Ridge& Morristown, NJ.
What is a Dry Socket?
After a tooth extraction by your dentist or oral surgeon, a blood clot should form in the empty socket to safeguard the underlying bone and nerve endings. A dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, occurs if this blood clot fails to form, dislodges, or dissolves prematurely, exposing the bone and nerves. This exposure can result in significant pain. The inflamed, empty socket can also accumulate food and debris, intensifying the discomfort and delaying healing. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain (throbbing)
- Radiating pain (spreading to the eye, ear, or temple on the same side of the face)
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
- A visible empty socket with exposed bone
- Potential fever
Although the precise cause is often unknown, a number of factors can elevate the risk of dry socket. These include inadequate oral hygiene, smoking, using straws, vigorous rinsing post-extraction, and challenging extractions.
Generally, a dry socket will develop 1-3 days after a tooth is removed and is most commonly seen after molars, such as wisdom teeth, are removed by an oral surgeon. To avoid this painful condition, diligently adhere to all home-care instructions provided by your dentist, in addition to being aware of these risk factors.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
If discomfort in the jaw persists following an extraction, it’s highly advisable to contact your dentist to arrange a follow-up appointment. Your dentist can irrigate the socket and eliminate any food particles that may be exacerbating the pain or leading to infection. Additionally, they may apply medicated gel or dressings to the area for pain management. If deemed necessary, they may prescribe pain medication. At home, once the dressing has been removed, you can irrigate the socket using a plastic syringe provided by your dentist. Rinsing the area with saline solution will help prevent further accumulation of debris and mitigate discomfort.
As you can see, the management of dry socket primarily involves pain control, meticulous debridement of the alveolar socket, and the application of medicated dressings to facilitate healing. Adherence to the dentist’s post-operative instructions for at-home care is paramount of rna uncomplicated recovery.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our seasoned dentists.
