If you've just got a tooth removed in Spicewood, TX, you've probably also received a long list of aftercare tips. This information will make recovery easier and faster and also help you prevent a dry socket.
Here's what a dry socket is and why you want to avoid it.
What Is a Dry Socket?
When a tooth is pulled out of its socket, the bone, nerves, and soft tissues remain exposed and more vulnerable to infection. But, our bodies are extremely intelligent machines, and a blood clot will very quickly form there to protect all the exposed parts.
If that blood clot is dislodged and the bone and nerves are uncovered, you are dealing with a dry socket. This is a very painful condition that needs to be addressed quickly to avoid the risk of infection.
How Does a Dry Socket Happen?
Dry sockets are more common in molar and wisdom tooth extractions. It doesn't take much for the blood clot to be dislodged and you may not even realize that you are jeopardizing the entire healing process.
You can get a dry socket if you:
- Drink through a straw (the act of sucking through a straw can displace the blood clot protecting the empty tooth socket.)
- Smoking
- Rinsing your mouth too vigorously
- Spitting after brushing your teeth
- Touching the extraction site with your tongue or finger
Tips for Avoiding a Dry Socket
It takes between seven to ten days for your body to heal after tooth extraction, but the risk of a dry socket is the highest between 2 to 3 days after the procedure.
If you've just had a tooth removed, it's best to follow these simple tips for about one week:
- Don't touch the extraction site no matter how curious you are to feel it.
- Don't brush directly over the extraction site, don't spit, and don't rinse too hard.
- After brushing, clean your mouth by gently swishing some saline water.
- Instead of spitting the solution, just let it spill out by opening your mouth.
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco products
- Don't drink through a straw
- Only eat soft foods for the first week and chew on the other side of the mouth.
Access Stellar Health Care in Spicewood, TX
We here at Bee Creek Dental will always try to save a natural tooth. Unfortunately, even with the best care and latest technology available, this isn't always possible, and extraction may be the only way to go for your long-term oral health.
If that's the case for you, we will make sure to create a comfortable experience. We offer sedation options so you can access stress-free dental treatment.
Call us at (512) 266-6366 to book your appointment or reach out online to learn more about our services.