What Is Dry Socket and How Can I Prevent It Following My Tooth Extraction?

If you’ve recently had a tooth removed, you’ve probably heard your dentist or oral surgeon mention something called “dry socket.” While most patients heal smoothly after an extraction, dry socket is a complication that can cause discomfort and delay the healing process. The good news is, though, that with the right care and certain precautions, this uncomfortable condition is usually highly preventable! Here’s what you need to know about dry socket, along with some useful things to keep in mind for healing up after a tooth extraction.  

What Is Dry Socket?

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot naturally forms in the empty socket to serve as a protective barrier over the underlying nerves and tissues. This blood clot plays a very important role in your mouth’s overall healing process. If it dissolves too soon, becomes dislodged, or doesn’t form at all, dry socket can occur. And since the nerves are exposed, the result is intense pain! Not to mention, without that protective blood clot, healing also slows down.

It’s normal to feel some soreness after a tooth extraction. However, dry socket pain is usually much more severe and starts a few days after the procedure, around the time when things are supposed to begin improving. Some other common signs of dry socket include:

• Severe, throbbing pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or temples
• Visible bone in the socket where the tooth was removed
• Bad taste or odor coming from the extraction site
• Delayed healing compared to what your dentist explained

If you notice any of these symptoms, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your dentist at once!

How Can Dry Socket Be Prevented?

The best way to deal with dry socket is the simplest way: avoid it altogether! Here are some tips that you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re about to undergo a tooth extraction:

• Avoid using a drinking straw, since the suction can dislodge blood clots and cause dry socket.
• Avoid smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products, since both the suction and the chemicals can interfere with your body’s healing.
• Be gentle when brushing and rinsing, and instead of spitting water from your mouth, let it pour out into the sink.
• Stick to a soft food and liquid diet for the first few days, opting for mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, protein shakes, and other similar foods.
• Rest and give your body time to heal and avoid any strenuous physical activity or exercise for a few days, since the increased blood flow can interfere with blood clot formation.

If you’re experiencing intense pain that isn’t getting better after your tooth extraction, don’t wait around for it to get better—if it’s dry socket, visiting your dentist is the best way to find immediate relief and to ensure your body’s healing as expected!  

About the Practice

Dr. Steven Branberg and our team here at The DFW Dental Implant Center have proudly served the needs of patients and families all across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including tooth extractions, as well as same-day emergency care for those with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (817) 440-7133.