WHAT IS DRY SOCKET?
-Localised inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot.
SYMPTOMS
-pain or discomfort
-bad taste or odour in your mouth
WHAT CAUSES DRY SOCKET?
-Smoking prematurely after an extraction.
-toxins in cigarette smoke can affect the healing process
-the pressure from inhaling the smoke can cause pressure that may dislodge the clot
- it is recommended that you refrain from smoking for a MINIMUM of 24 hours at least.
-avoid drinking through a straw
-avoid chewing on the side of the extraction
The higher the amount of surgical trauma to the area, the greater the risk of a dry socket developing
If you experience dry socket call our office !
ANATOMY OF A TOOTH
ENAMEL
The hard white outer surface of a tooth which is made from calcium
PULP
The centre of a tooth which is made from connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves: it continues down to the roots via canals until it reaches the tip of these roots.
ROOT CANAL
A channel within the root of a tooth which contains the pulp and accessory canal
ROOT
The bottom part of a tooth which anchors it within the jaw.
WHAT IS AN APICOECTOMY ?
A minor dental treatment used to stop the spread of infection which can occasionally occur after a root canal treatment.
-an infection can get into the tip of the tooth’s root
-can cause an abscess to form
-Inflamed area in tooth or gum resulting from a pus due to bacteria build up
-can be very painful
-can damage surrounding bone and tissue
TREATMENT
-minor surgical treatment
-local anaesthetic is used
-root tip (apex)is removed
(small cut in the gum, to get as close to tip as possible)
-any infected tissue or damaged root is removed
-area is cleaned thoroughly
-area is then sealed to protect from bacteria
-gum layer is then put back in place with stitches
-extra space left around the root tip where the infection had formed is taken up by bone tissue .
HEALING TIME
-generally stitches removed in 2-7 days
-general soreness and swelling should disappear within two weeks