How to fix dry socket wisdom teeth?

Got your wisdom teeth removed? Congratulations! You made it through the surgery. But wait, what’s that pain in your jaw and gums? If you’re experiencing a dull throbbing sensation near the extraction site, you might have dry socket.

Dry sockets can be one of the most uncomfortable post-wisdom tooth extraction experiences. It’s like having a root canal without any anesthesia. But fear not as I’ve got some tips for you to fix those troublesome sockets and prevent them from happening in future dental procedures.

What is Dry Socket?

Dry socket or alveolar osteitis occurs when there is inflammation or infection on the blood clot covering an empty tooth socket after removal of a molar or wisdom tooth.

In simpler terms: You just had oral surgery which includes removing teeth from your mouth, then later down the line, you start feeling more pain than before due to an exposed nerve at said surgical area; this painful condition is known as dry socket.

Symptoms include severe pain radiating up towards your ear(owch), bad breath (gross), foul taste (why) caused by food debris getting stuck in the hole, possible fever (due to underlying secondary infections).

It usually starts 2-3 days after surgery with increased intensity over time but may last several weeks if not treated properly.

Several factors contribute to developing dry sockets such as smoking cigarettes(psst…I won’t tell anyone) , poor oral hygiene (which probably means not flossing twice daily)

Fun Fact: Dry sockets only occur 2-5% of times following extractions so consider yourself lucky.

Treating Dry Sockets

If you suspect that you have developed dry sockets, immediately contact your dentist(there goes my weekend plans). Your dentist will clean out and pack fresh gauze into the wound providing temporary relief until he/she determines what further measures should be taken.

Gums Swelling and Irritation

One of the simplest ways to alleviate discomfort around your wisdom teeth is by rinsing with warm saltwater, which alleviates pain and reduces gum inflammation. Simply mix a few teaspoons of salt in lukewarm water, and swish around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Try this magic potion several times a day(not really magic though)

Alternatively:

  1. Take turmeric supplements or apply turmeric paste directly on the socket as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
  2. Clove oil (Eugenol) helps numb sore gums-apply only locally their gory flavour is not something you would enjoy(well unless you want to taste like TNT)
  3. Keep good oral care practices by brushing twice daily(duh..), flossing after meals hugging broccoli tightly(it’s good for dental cleaning).
  4. Use ice packs near extraction sites and avoid hostile drinks & food such as soda or anything fizzy(F-A-R-and-A-W-A-Y)

Pain Relief: Orajel, Ibuprofen etc..

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen(Motrin/Advil/Others), aspirin are effective against pain relief.

Always speak to your doctor before taking any NSAIDs if you’re allergic

Another option is applying an OVER-THE-COUNTER numbing medication like Orajel® (WOW! IT’S AMAZING) around the affected area periodically.(P.S If too much sensation means less concentration…Oops I forgot that timing bullet point…)

Preventing Dry Sockets

Dry sockets can’t always be prevented but here are some steps one could take:

1.Schedule Extraction Around Your Menstrual Cycle(if applicable): According to research studies by the NCBI , those on menstruation have slowed healing processes so it’s best to avoid extractions during our period.
2.Desensitizing Toothpaste: The active ingredient potassium nitrate is used in toothpaste for patients with sensitive teeth but also helps stabilize blood clotting agents of the surgical site. Start using this a day before and after extraction.
3.Quit Smoking (I have nothing else to say about smoking cigarettes except you should stop).
4.Diligently follow post-surgical instructions given by your dentists and limit physical activities(No more workouts, boys )
5.Avoid drinking from straws or consuming chewy/smoky/granulated foods that can get trapped inside surgical sites.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Painless At Last!

And there you have it folks! Now you know how to tackle dry sockets. If the pain persists however never hesitate(never ever)from speaking out about them as treatment may be required since prolonged pain could potentially lead to other dental issues like gum disease(dun dun duuun).

Remember Pain is just weakness leaving your mouth-Forever(until maybe next time)

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