Tooth extraction may sound intimidating, but sometimes it’s the only way to provide you long-term relief. However, relief may not be in sight, and you may have to confront post-surgery complications. One such issue is a dry socket whose symptoms unravel themselves after three to four days of surgery. A dry socket is one of the common complications of tooth extraction surgery. Therefore, let’s dive into the rabbit hole and discuss the dry socket and its treatment.
What Is A Dry Socket?
When your tooth is extracted, a wound is left behind where the tooth once resided. You will experience bleeding during the first few hours of recovery from the wound. However, as time passes, a clot form over it that halts the bleeding and promotes healing. Moreover, this clot guards the underlying bone and nerve endings for outside factors, like food debris that may fill in the socket and cause complications.
Now, this clot may be physically damaged due to trauma or improper oral care. On the other hand, bacterial infection, or chemicals found in tobacco or birth control pills, may hinder clot formation. Even inhaling cigarettes may dislodge the clot from its position. Regardless of the cause, we have a dry socket if the wound is exposed without the shade of a blood clot.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Socket?
- Pain is a major indicator of this problem. The pain is unlike anything you have experienced before. A dry socket is accompanied by a sharp and intense pain that may radiate to your ear and neck on the same side as the wound.
- You can see the exposed bone at the site.
- You may also experience foul breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
The above symptoms may kick in after two to three days of the surgery. Hence, if you experience them visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Possible Treatment For Dry Socket:
Flushing And Medicated Dressing: Your dentist will start by flushing the socket to remove any food debris. Then your dentist will pack the socket with a medicated dressing or gel to help alleviate the pain. The severity of the pain will determine whether you need to renew the dressing or not. Otherwise, once you have removed the old dressing, follow the dentist’s instructions to clean it. Saltwater rinse or an antiseptic mouthwash recommended by the dentist will help you keep the wound clean and infection-free.
Pain Management: OTC will help relieve pain, and you can also use a cold compress for some relief. However, use medications as prescribed by the dentist because some OTC like aspirin may cause more bleeding in the wound site.
Choosing a dentist with experience in tooth extraction can help mitigate the chances of developing complications after the surgery. Hence, always opt for renowned dentists like Briar Forest Dental Group for your dental and oral needs. You can call us at 713-784-4430 for more inquiries.