What is Dry Socket?

When a tooth is removed, a blood clot will form where it used to be. The clot is a defense mechanism of the body that is meant to help protect and heal the extraction site. Sometimes, this clot can dissolve or become dislodged. This will expose the bone and nerve to food, fluids, air, and anything else that enters the mouth. This condition is what is commonly referred to as dry socket.

Dry Socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that affects an estimated 2% to 5% of people that undergo tooth extraction. It is usually determined by an intense pain and the absence of a blood clot at the extraction site. Dry Socket can last up to five or six days and could lead to infection if not treated properly. For this reason, it is vital to avoid toxins and maintain good dental hygiene to avoid dry socket.

Dry socket can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some of these include smoking, birth control, and excess trauma during extraction. First, it is important that you do not smoke after having a tooth extraction. After surgery, the gum tissue is in a sensitive state and just beginning to heal. For this reason, smoke from cigarettes or other herbs can quickly dry out and dislodge a blood blot. Secondly, studies have shown that women on birth control have a 31% increased incidence of dry socket. This incidence occurs during the first twenty-two days of the menstrual cycle. This is because many birth control pills have an effect that causes a decrease in the bloods ability to clot. Because of this, women on the pill should schedule tooth extractions between days 23 and 28 of their cycle to greatly reduce the chances of getting dry socket. Lastly, if there is excessive trauma during extraction (ask your dentist if there was) this can cause a blood clot to take longer to form. In this case, it is especially important to maintain good hygiene and avoid any contact with the clot for even longer to ensure a thorough healing.

There are a few ways to avoid getting a dry socket. Some of these include avoiding toxins, leaving the clot intact and avoiding air pressure in the mouth. Firstly you must avoid toxins from getting to the clot. Some common toxins are smoke, alcohol, snuff/dip and anything else that could dislodge or dissolve a clot. Second, it is best to leave the clot alone as much as possible. Do not brush anywhere near the clot or rinse your mouth for around 24 to 48 hours after surgery to ensure a thorough healing. Lastly, you should avoid air pressure within the mouth. This could include anything from drawing smoke from a cigarette to sipping liquids through a straw. The reason for this is your going to want to avoid any pressure as it could dislodge the clot or cause it to take longer to heal.

No matter what the cause, dry socket is a painful condition that can and should be avoided at all costs. If you've just had a tooth pulled, it is important that you take care of the blood clot by avoiding toxins and keeping your mouth clean. Ask your dentist for additional advice on how to avoid dry socket for your particular case. Use these tips and you will increase the chances of having a speedy and painless healing after your next dental extraction.