Dry Socket Worries

After an emergency extraction, you may think the worst is over.  You know some pain is expected after a tooth is removed. But the next day you are still in pain.   Is the pain you are experiencing normal, or do you have a dry socket?  If so, is it a reason to go back to the dentist?  We have the information you need to make that decision here!

What is a Dry Socket?

A socket is the gap left in the bone when an adult tooth is pulled.  Healing occurs when the body form a blood clot to protect and provide the nutrients to the area that allow it to heal.  When a socket is referred to as dry, it means this blood clot is no longer there.  This exposes the bone to air and allows food particles and bacteria to enter and possibly cause a painful infection.  While the percentage of dry sockets that occur after an extraction is low (2%), it jumps when the teeth that were removed are wisdom teeth (20%).

How do I Know if I Have a Dry Socket?

It takes 7-10 days for healing to occur after a tooth is pulled.  Anytime during that period you are at risk of developing a dry socket, but usually it occurs between 2-4 days after.  Most often pain is the biggest indicator to tell you there is a problem.  The pain is usually on the same side as the tooth that was removed. It can radiate to the ear or eye as well.  In addition to pain, there is an unpleasant taste in the mouth that is accompanied by bad breath.  Sometimes a fever, nausea, or vomiting may be present.  If you can look in your mouth and see white bone in the hole where the tooth was, you have a dry socket.

Do I Have To See a Dentist?

A dentist can accurately diagnose if you have a dry socket.  It is important to seek help because healing is delayed the longer treatment is delayed.  Your dentist will be able to make sure anything (food particles) that has become lodged in the socket is removed so infection doesn’t occur.  They can also prescribe you an antibiotic to help with infection.  The dentist will pack the wound with a medicated gauze to relieve pain and protect the area while the area mends.

An Ounce of Prevention…

The good news is that there are things you can do beforehand to prevent a dry socket.  Listen to the instructions your dentist gives you.  Taking it easy for a day or two will help that clot stay put.  Avoid drinking through a straw as suction can disturb the clot.  Eat soft foods. Avoid hot drinks like coffee and foods high in acid like soda and orange juice (can dissolve the clot).  Women are more at risk than men because estrogen production can slow healing time. If you are taking an oral birth control pill, this will be something to discuss with your dentist as well.  Finally, smoking is a huge risk factor for developing a dry socket.  Try to avoid it in the early days of healing. After that, use caution inhaling a cigarette that you don’t include a sucking action.

While a dry socket is an unplanned event, at Emergency Dental, our convenient hours help treat your emergencies and get you on the road to recovery!  Call us today!

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Dr. Roberto Monteagudo

Dr. Roberto Monteagudo is an expert in advanced dentistry, full mouth reconstruction, neuromuscular dentistry and sedation dentistry. He attended the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies from 1999 to 2006 and graduated from Marquette University, School of Dentistry in 1990. Dr. Monteagudo speaks frequently throughout the Wisconsin area on advancements in dentistry and patient education. Dr. Roberto Monteagudo lives in Milwaukee with his lovely wife, Gina, and their seven children whom they make a top priority. He also enjoys outdoor activities and is deeply committed to giving back to his community through charitable events. His warmth and caring combined with his commitment to patient comfort through sedation dentistry, leading edge, gentle, and non-invasive technologies is the reason that his patients travel long distances to see him.