Dry Socket
What is a dry socket?
After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the space of the missing tooth. The blood clot is formed to provide a protective barrier for the gums, and nerves under where the tooth was attached.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot becomes dislodged. This results in the space not healing properly.
A dry socket generally occurs within a few days of the extraction.
You may experience mild to severe pain at the extraction site, and it may travel to the facial area and jaw.
You may also experience a bad taste in your mouth.
Food particles may build up at the extraction site.
Although you may generally feel discomfort after an extraction, a dry socket is rare.
If you are experiencing intense or severe pain after an extraction. You need to see your dentist immediately!
To treat dry sockets, your dentist
will clean out the extraction site and you may also be prescribed antibiotics. An antiseptic creme or antibacterial mouthwash may also be prescribed.
Risk factors
*smoking
*improper home care
*tooth or gum infection
*history of dry socket
Your dentist will provide you with instructions after an extraction. These instructions are to prevent any negative issues. You must follow these instructions!
If you have any concerns after an extraction. Please contact us.