Dry Socket: Why It’s So Horrible and How You Can Prevent It

Tooth extractions can be necessary to preserve a patient’s oral health for reasons such as severe dental infections, making room for orthodontic or prosthetic appliances, or the wisdom teeth becoming impacted. After having a tooth removed, the best way to ensure that your recovery period goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible is to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s postoperative instructions precisely. Here’s a guide to the miserably painful condition called dry socket, how it can sometimes happen after tooth extraction, and a few tips for preventing it.

What Is Dry Socket?

When the tooth extraction procedure begins, the dentist will administer an appropriate anesthetic treatment to ensure that the process is completely painless, and the patient may also receive a sedation treatment if they need extra help staying comfortable. After the tooth has been removed, a blood clot will form over its empty socket to protect the vulnerable tissues and bone structure within.

If this blood clot becomes dislodged, the stressed nerves and other tissues in the socket will be exposed to the oral environment, resulting in a greater risk of infection as well as a miserably painful condition called dry socket with symptoms such as:

• Pain in the empty socket
• Pain radiating to your neck and head
• A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath, which can be signs of infection.

 While dry socket only happens in one to three percent of tooth extractions, taking the proper precautions and maintaining the proper habits can help you prevent it.

How Can I Prevent Dry Socket?

There are a few measures you can take to minimize your risk of dry socket. These include:

• Proper oral hygiene: Follow your dentist’s instructions regarding oral care after extraction to keep your healing process on track
• Avoid spitting or drinking through a straw: The shifting of pressure within the mouth caused by drinking through a straw or spitting can dislodge the blood clot.
• Refrain from smoking: The nicotine in tobacco inhibits the gums’ ability to heal and fight infection
• Vigorous swishing: Rinsing your mouth too aggressively with water or mouthwash can disturb the extraction site.

Your dentist will only recommend tooth extraction if doing so is absolutely necessary for your oral health. While strictly adhering to their postoperative instructions can help you remain comfortable as your mouth recovers from the procedure, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect that you have dry socket.

About the Author

Dr. Ulysses L. Marable III earned his dental degree at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in Augusta and underwent a General Practice Residency at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. Today, he serves as a member of the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association. His office in Fort Valley offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as tooth extraction services. For more information on preventing dry socket, contact his office online or dial (478) 825-3000.