Once you’ve had a tooth removed, you may think your smile is in the clear. It’s a natural thought to have when the source of your grin’s former troubles is gone. However, you’ll still want to take steps to avoid a dry socket at this point; you could face a delayed recovery otherwise. The good news is that your South Portland dentist can help with this work. So, here’s a primer on how to prevent a dry socket after tooth extraction.
Wait, What’s a Dry Socket?
Right after tooth removal, the extraction site hasn’t fully healed. That means it’s at risk of a dry socket.
A dry socket occurs when the extraction site’s blood clot gets dislodged. This clot normally protects the now-empty socket, so losing it exposes bone and nerve endings. Such exposure results in intense pain and delays your mouth’s overall recovery. In rare cases, it can also lead to an infection of the socket itself.
Needless to say, you’ll want to avoid a dry socket whenever possible. The discomfort (and other complications) it causes would put a serious damper on your mood.
How Can You Tell If You Have One?
It isn’t hard for most folks to tell if they have a dry socket. The condition has some pretty noticeable and apparent signs, including:
- Severe pain a few days after tooth extraction
- An empty jaw socket lacking a blood clot
- Aches that spread from the socket
- Bad breath or taste in your mouth
See your dentist immediately if you show the signs above. Once you visit them, they can treat your dry socket with various methods – oral rinses, medicated gel, painkillers, etc. You’ll then start to feel better and see improvements.
What Can You Do to Prevent Dry Sockets?
If your goal is to prevent dry sockets, make sure to do the following:
- Eat Soft Foods – Tough meals can keep a blood clot from forming, so follow a soft food diet right after your extraction. You could include items like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Don’t Use Tobacco – Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products put you at high risk of a dry socket.
- Avoid Straws – Since their suction can dislodge a blood clot, avoid using straws for a while.
- Keep Your Mouth Clean – Good oral hygiene keeps germs from breaking down a blood clot.
The points above should help you prevent a dry socket after tooth extraction. That said, consult your dental provider if you’d like to know other helpful tips.
About the Practice
Mind Your Mouth is based in South Portland, ME. Led by the amazing Dr. Katherine Parét, our practice cares for your smile with your whole body’s health in mind. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to boost a patient’s quality of life. When you see us, it isn’t just your teeth and gums that’ll thrive; you’ll also transform as a person! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (207)-200-4106.