Dry Socket Prevention: Caring For Yourself After An Extraction

Before we get into preventing a dry socket, let's take a closer look at how you might get one. That starts with a tooth extraction or exodontia, a procedure to get one of your teeth pulled out. You may need a tooth extraction due to:

• A damaged or decayed tooth
• A crowded mouth or impacted teeth
• Infection or risk of infection

There are a few complications that could arise from a tooth extraction. A dry socket is the most common complication but also very avoidable.

A blood clot, the right kind, forms to protect the bone and nerves at your tooth extraction site. Sometimes, though, the clot can become dislodged and not heal properly. This is a dry socket. It allows the nerves and bones to go unprotected from bacteria, leading to significant pain and discomfort. A dry socket also slows down the recovery process, so it's best to see your dentist again right away.

We know what caused it. We know what it is. Now, we turn to prevention. How you prevent a dry socket is actually quite simple. It should be familiar to anyone who practises proper oral hygiene. Keep your tooth extraction site clean and healthy after getting your tooth pulled out. You can do that by following these tips:

• Don't eat anything hard, sticky or chewy for several days after the procedure. Avoid straws, eating on the side of the extraction, and sugary, caffeinated, alcoholic beverages. Soft foods and a lot of water are your friends.

• This one is pretty self-explanatory. Don't use tobacco. Smoking will expose bacteria to the site, and chewing tobacco will hurt the clot. And both slow the healing.

• Take a day off before tending to the extraction site. You can still carefully brush your other teeth and tongue. After 24 hours, you can rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to clean up the extraction site.

• Allow yourself some time to heal and relax. Stay away from anything or any activities that are too physical or could affect your mouth in any way. A few days of "you" time in bed streaming your favourite show never hurt the healing process.

If you do have to endure a dry socket, see your dentist right away. They can tend to the site and help lessen the pain. Your dentist will treat the dry socket with:

• A medicated dressing (dry socket paste) will help numb the pain

• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Don't worry about the tooth extraction. That's out of your hands. Just focus on what you do after. Be sure to follow your dentist's advice, be smart, and gently and adequately care for your tooth extraction site. If you do all that, you'll definitely be dodging that dry socket.