What do you do if you have dry socket?
If you’ve ever had your wisdom teeth removed, or any tooth extraction for that matter, you may have heard of dry socket. It’s when the blood clot that forms after a tooth is extracted becomes dislodged or dissolves before the wound can heal. This leaves the underlying bone and nerves exposed and can be quite painful.
So what do you do if you find yourself in this unfortunate predicament? Fear not, dear reader! This article will provide some helpful tips for managing dry socket.
Recognize the Symptoms
The first step in dealing with dry socket is recognizing it. Here are some common symptoms:
- Severe pain that radiates from the extraction site
- Foul taste and smell in your mouth
- Visible bone in the extraction site
- Empty-looking socket where blood clot was supposed to form
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to contact your dentist right away.
Avoid Smoking and Straws
Smoking or using straws could cause suction which can disrupt a healing blood clot following an oral surgery procedure increasing your chances of getting dry sockets. So ditch those cancer sticks (or quit altogether) and refrain from drinking anything through a straw until after the wound has fully healed.
Take Pain Relievers as Prescribed
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), might help alleviate any discomfort associated with having dry sockets . However follow doctor’s advice on dose adjustment according to age group.
Use Cold Compresses But Don’t Overdo It
Cold compresses applied outside your face near affected area reduces swelling by constricting blood vessels but don’t leave it longer than 20 minutes at once; use intervals while applying compression during each day else it’ll lead negatively towards wound healing.
Rinse Your Mouth Out Gently With Saline
Your dentist may recommend a salt water rinse to help soothe the pain from a dry socket. Mix half teaspoon of table salt in one cup of warm water and gargle it gently
Schedule a Checkup with Your Dentist
When experiencing dry sockets, schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can carefully inspect inside your mouth and prescribe proper instructions on how to treat it properly.
Avoid Certain Foods
Certain acidic or spicy foods might irritate dry socket, delaying would healing time; so avoid consuming certain types until healed and dental cleanings after extraction
Consider Getting Medications
Based upon severity, medications such as analgesics(NSAIDs), antibiotics ,well known lidocaine(Local anesthesia), corticosteroids could reduce the intensity of symptoms acting multifactorial Healing process
Visit Specialists for Alcohol-Free Oral Rinses (Chlorhexidine)
Your specialist may advise you Chlorhexidine based oral rinses which is alcohol-free that helps maintain oral hygiene preventing bacterial infections facilitating wound repairs
Underlying intakes suppressing risk factors/causes
Healthy diet by incorporating Calcium-rich meals,washing hands before applying medication considering non-acidic Substance intake do significant prevention.
Countering against discomfort progress
As most concern during post-surgery period occurs after day 3 , Prolonged rest periods throughout the entire period will alleviate all possible risks.
It’s always better to consult your dentist if you’re unsure about what steps you should take when dealing with dry socket . They have several options they can discuss and pick out what suits best for individual patient circumstances. Don’t forget that we at our family here always are concerned hence follow limiting caffeine/Carbonated drinks/Cold food-stuffs(gelato) avoiding changes sudden body temperature during symptomatic phase(curative Maintenance). You got this!