Dry Socket - What It Is And How To Prevent It

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

When an adult tooth is removed there is a chance that dry socket will occur. This happens when the blood clot that forms falls out or is dislodged, leaving the bone and the nerves beneath open to the air. Food may also become lodged in that area increasing pain and infection.

Dry socket pain

The pain from a dry socket can travel along the face, through the jaw and along the nerves that are around the extracted tooth. It can be extremely painful and to manage it will require medication and treatment from your dentist or oral surgeon.

Your dental professional can provide antibacterial mouthwash before and after surgery, antibiotics, antiseptic cleaners, and possibly a medicated dressing at the time of the extraction.

Dry socket risk factors

There are several factors that may increase your risk for dry socket. To reduce your risk, all tobacco use should be halted, and all care instructions must be followed carefully.

People who are on oral contraceptives that increase the estrogen in the body, those who have had dry socket previously, and anyone who has a current infection in or around the tooth being removed are all at an increased risk of developing dry socket.

Dry socket recuperation

After any extraction, an after-care instruction sheet is provided and should be followed carefully. This often includes rest for the day and no exercise or sports for a few days afterward. Ice packs and pain medication are often recommended for managing the pain and swelling.

Increased water intake without a straw is encouraged to avoid dislodging the clot. It will be necessary to consume soft foods, mostly liquids and things that do not require chewing such as applesauce, working up to mostly soft foods after a day or two and graduating to semi-soft foods for a few days.

Avoid brushing the area for the first full day or two. Smoking of any kind is not recommended for a minimum of two to three days after surgery to avoid contact with the healing wound and to protect the area.

Dry socket treatments

Treatments include a dentist flushing the area to remove debris and decrease pain and chance of infection, a pain medication stronger than normal over-the-counter options, and possibly a dressing that is medicated to ease pain and deter infection.

You may be encouraged to use a salt water rinse multiple times daily for the next week or two after surgery.

Dry socket can occur after a tooth extraction has taken place. Where the tooth is removed a blood clot will form to protect the bone and the nerves in the area.

If this becomes dislodged in some way it will leave nerves and bone open to the air. It is a painful condition that requires treatment by a dentist or an oral surgeon and may require antibiotics or other treatment options.

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Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

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