Undergoing a tooth extraction in Tracy, CA, is never an exciting experience for anyone. No matter how necessary it is to undergo this dental procedure, no one goes into it overjoyed and exhilarated. This is because the thought of losing your permanent natural tooth is overwhelming, and often you will be thinking about how your life will be after the procedure.
One thing is for sure almost everyone walks in for this procedure anticipating some pain and discomfort. The truth is that you will experience some discomfort and inflammation after the procedure, particularly after the anesthesia wears off and during recovery.
However, this pain, discomfort, and inflammation should dissipate in a few days as the extraction site begins to seal and heal. However, this may not always be the case. Complications such as dry socket that may arise after the procedure can make the healing process more uncomfortable and unbearable.
So what exactly is a dry socket, and how does it come about? Let’s take an in-depth look at this condition and what you need to look out for.
What Is a Dry Socket?
A dry socket, in a nutshell, can be described as a painful and uncomfortable dental issue that can occur after a dental extraction. A dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, occurs when a blood clot fails to develop, dislodges, or disintegrates at the extraction site before the healing process begins.
Under ideal conditions, a blood clot should form at the extraction site. This clot offers a protective covering for the exposed bone and nerve endings within the extraction site and gives the site a chance to begin developing new soft tissue and bone.
When the clot fails to form, stay intact, or becomes dislodged, it exposes the underlying nerve tissues and bone, resulting in severe pain and discomfort. This pain may radiate within the extraction site and along your face, leading to serious pain and facial inflammation.
Without the clot, the extraction site may be left vulnerable to developing infection because of the food debris and bacteria that may accumulate within the exposed socket.
This condition may become noticeable one or three days after the procedure and is a common complication known to accompany dental extractions.
Causes of Dry Socket
Several factors can lead to the development of dry socket after undergoing a tooth extraction in Tracy, CA. these may include:
- A traumatic, difficult, or complicated extraction procedure
- the components in cigarettes slow down the healing process and can contaminate the extraction site
- Poor oral hygiene practices after the procedure allows for the accumulation of bacteria and food debris around the extraction site
- Using contraceptives or birth control. The high levels of estrogen may affect and hinder the healing process
- Using a straw 48 hours after the procedure
- Gargling or rinsing your mouth too vigorously after the procedure may also dislodge the forming clot causing a dry socket
- Rough and vigorous brushing immediately after the procedure
Any activities that hinder the formation of the clot or can dislodge it after the procedure can greatly increase your risk of developing a dry socket.
How to Prevent Dry Socket After Extraction
The terrific news is that this condition is preventable, however common it may be, after dental extractions. After undergoing your dental extraction, our dentist in Tracy, CA, will give you guidelines that if you adhere to strictly, your healing process will go as it should.
These guidelines are designed to eliminate any factors that can result in the development of dry socket following dental extraction.
You might be wondering how to prevent dry socket after tooth extraction. You can do several things before and after this surgical procedure to reduce the risk of getting this condition after your extraction. Here is how you can prevent dry socket:
Before undergoing the procedure, you should:
- Talk to your dentist concerning any medication you are taking to ascertain that it will not hinder clot formation
- Avoid or stop smoking a day before the procedure
- If you are on birth control, ensure that you take the minimal dosage on the day of the procedure as estrogen affects clot formation
After the procedure:
- Get plenty of rest after the procedure
- Minimize or avoid strenuous activity such as exercising until our dentist in Tracy, CA, gives you the green light to resume such activities because they can make the forming clot dislodge
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, hot and carbonated drinks
- Do not use a straw for about a week after the procedure because the suction can dislodge the formed clot
- Apply cold packs correctly to cut back on pain and inflammation
- Consume soft foods like yogurt 24 hours after the extraction and gradually reintroduce semi-solid and eventually solid foods as you recover.
- Practice proper oral hygiene to prevent chances of infection
When to See a Dentist
If you suspect you are suffering from dry socket, you should see a dentist promptly. Plus, if you develop symptoms such as intense and persistent pain and inflammation, foul breath, and an unpleasant taste days after the extraction, contact our dentist at Innovo Dental and Implant Studio for prompt medical assistance.