A dry socket appears when the empty socket of the teeth swells after tooth extraction. This is a major oral issue that causes severe discomfort and pain. In this blog, we have discussed the causes of a dry socket and how one can prevent it from happening.
Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction
Blood clot formation is a part of the innate healing process at the site of extraction after tooth removal. The formation of this blood scab is critical to protect the nerve endings in the bone.
In some cases, the clot fails to form correctly or dislodges because of any reason that exposes the socket’s bone and nerves inside it. Dry socket formation slows down the healing process, and you may suffer from enhanced pain during this time.
Can You Prevent Dry Socket Formation?
Following proper post-operative protocols following a tooth extraction ensures protection from dry sockets. Here’s what you should do:
Do not Suck
Sucking action through straws or even smoking creates suction that displaces the blood scab, further delaying healing. Avoid straw usage for at least a week after tooth extraction to prevent dry socket formation.
Stay Away From Alcohol
Avoid alcohol or splashing your oral cavity with a mouthwash that contains alcohol as a component is very important for a few days after tooth extraction. This prevention alleviates the chances of dry socket formation. What alcohol does is that it causes extra bleeding resulting in delay to the healing process.
Keep Away From Smoking
Smoking creates suction action that disturbs the blood clot formed, giving you a dry socket therefore avoid to prevent it.
Rinse the Mouth Gently
Be mindful not to brush your teeth too heavily; you may rinse your mouth after tooth removal, but do it gently.
Keep Away From Strenuous Activities
The following 24 hours after the tooth extraction process, the patient should steer clear of any physical activity that may strain the surgery site.
Ask About Medications
Some medications can hamper the blood clot formation process. That is why, before the surgery happens, it is better to let your dentist know about the medicines you are currently taking.
Eat Soft Foods
For the initial 24 to 72 hours after your mouth surgery, only eat soft foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, bananas puree, and mashed potatoes (not hot). Sometime later, you can add solid foods to the diet, but in case you feel pain at the extraction site, return to soft foods. Edibles like soup require sucking and blowing, which can displace scab; therefore, it’s better not to have it.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene To Prevent Dry Socket
The best thing you can do for avoiding a dry socket is to keep your mouth clean because that prevents the chances of an infection and germ buildup from dislodging the blood clot.
Conclusion
If you are still concerned about blood clot formation and dry socket troubles, contact the dental experts at Porter Smiles Dental. To get in touch with us, call 281 519 7200.