At Adult Dentistry Of Ballantyne, we believe in arming our patients with information every step of the way. When people know what to expect before any kind of dental treatment, it creates confidence and peace-of-mind that makes everything easier. The same is true for post-procedure healing, which is where we’re going to focus in this blog post.
Tooth Out, Clot In
Tooth extractions occur for many reasons, which may include removing wisdom teeth, dealing with severe damage or disease, or in conjunction with dental implant therapy. After removal, to prevent a painful condition called “dry socket” from occurring, it is essential that the extraction site form a blood clot. This process begins by simply having the patient bite down on gauze. The uncomfortable part is often the taste of blood and the desire to change the gauze. However, it is very important to leave it in place for the required time. Removing it too soon can interfere with the clotting process and, as noted, lead to dry socket.
So, what exactly is dry socket? This article provides details:
What is a Dry Socket?
After extraction, a blood clot forms in the tooth socket, the space that once held the tooth, and seals the area so that it can heal. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot breaks down or is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. The first five or so days after extraction are the most critical, and it is during this time that the risk for a dry socket is the highest. A dry socket can be very painful! If you think you have this condition, contact your dentist immediately.
Treatment
Typically, your dentist will rinse out the empty socket, remove any debris and apply medicated dressings to protect the area and decrease pain. The dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection and a painkiller to ease discomfort. The dentist can advise you what to eat or drink as well as how to clean and care for the dry socket area. With proper care and rest, the dry socket should heal in seven to 10 days. Your dentist will probably ask that you schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor healing and to see how you are doing. Learn more, compliments of Colgate
No Straws Or Smoking After Dental Surgery
When you’re preparing for your post-extraction day, stock up on soups and soft foods. Avoid seedy breads and bagels and sharp, crunchy foods. Don’t use straws or smoke, since both can lead to complications. Get more suggestions below:
6 tips for preventing dry socket
The blood clot that forms after a tooth removal protects bone and nerve tissue. It also helps your gums heal, so you want it to stay in place until you’ve healed after surgery.
Dry socket usually occurs because something moves or dissolves the blood clot from the socket. Sometimes dry socket occurs when you never develop the blood clot to begin with.
Soft food
The first day after your surgery, eat only soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. On the second day, you can attempt slightly heartier foods but you should return to soft foods if you experience any pain.
Avoid soup, which might cause sucking that may dislodge the blood clot. Also avoid nuts, seeds, crunchy foods such as chips, and sticky foods that might get stuck in your socket.
Avoid smoking and tobacco
People who smoke and use tobacco are at a much higher risk of developing dry socket after tooth extraction. One study found that it occurred in 12 percent trusted Source of people who smoked after a tooth extraction. By comparison, only 4 percent trusted Source of those who don’t smoke developed dry socket. Learn more, compliments of Healthline
Know The Warning Signs Of Dry Socket
Paying attention to your jaw for the next few days after your dental extraction is essential. Any throbbing mouth pain that occurs within two-to-four days of your surgery is a red flag. Read more below:
The typical scenario for dry socket is the occurrence of throbbing pain about two to four days after the tooth is extracted. Dry socket pain is often accompanied by bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth. With this onset of pain, it is obvious that proper healing has been interrupted.
Dry socket is a condition in which there is inflammation of the jawbone (or alveolar bone) after a tooth extraction. It is also referred to as “alveolar osteitis” and is one of the many complications that can occur from a tooth extraction. The occurrence is relatively rare, occurring in about 2% of tooth extractions. However, that percentage rises to at least 20% when it involves the removal of mandibular impacted third molars (lower wisdom teeth). Learn more, compliments of Medicine Net
The Best Dental Treatment In Charlotte
Dr. Robert L. Harrell has been recognized as one of the Queen City’s top dentists year-after-year by Charlotte magazine. Whatever your dental needs, call Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne today at 704-541-9888 to make an appointment. We want to create an affordable, pain-free treatment plan that will give you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
