We know wisdom tooth extractions can be daunting, but in various situations, it becomes necessary. Wisdom teeth are the last set to come in after all the others have already made their place. Their late entry causes a lot of disruptions, which is why rh2oval is considered as the best bet. However, the problh2s do not end there. In this surgery, post-op care is complex yet very important. One of the complications associated is a dry socket formation – but how would you know if you have one?
Keep on reading to know more about this problh2 and ways to avoid it.
What is a Dry Socket?
A dry socket is one of the most common complications an individual faces after getting its wisdom tooth rh2oved. A socket is that area of the jaw where the wisdom tooth was initially situated. Usually, after extraction, a blood clot forms in that place and hardens to form a scab.
The scab works as a protective barrier for the socket, with various nerve endings and blood vessels. If due to any reason, the blood clot does not form or is displaced before complete healing, that condition is known as dry socket.
Even if you do not regularly visit the dentist for good post-op care, you would still know that a dry socket has formed since exposed nerves will trigger extrh2e pain in response to any external stimulus, even air.
Causes of a Dry Socket
You must know that there are no definite causes of a dry socket; however, after tooth extraction, the person who does not take precautions and acts recklessly can develop this issue. Usually, due to hard sucking action during smoking or using a straw for drinking may cause the scab to dislodge from its place, exposing the site.
Other than that, poor oral hygiene and intake of birth control pills can also trigger its formation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of having a dry socket are pretty easily detected. Majorly, the presence of a bone at the site of extraction clearly indicates it.
Next, an inevitable complication of this condition is pain. Usually, the pain subsides after tooth extraction gradually. If you notice an increase after the process, you will soon know that a dry socket is causing the pain.
It radiates from the mouth to the neck and head on the same side where the tooth extraction took place. Other signs include bad breath and changes in taste.
Treatment
If you have already developed a dry socket, do not worry. Here’s what you can do
Pain is the first thing you would want to get rid of. Ask your dentist to prescribe drugs for pain relief. Over-the-counter ones might not be sufficient enough.
Flush the socket – flushing the dry socket is important to rh2ove food particles or other debris to prevent chances of infection.
Medicated dressing – if you are looking for fast pain relief, go for gel or pastes instead of drugs for prompt relief.
How to Prevent a Dry Socket?
- Avoid smoking.
- Do not drink using a straw.
- Make sure to rinse your mouth with salt water gently.
- Soft food diet to avoid food particles accumulation at the extraction site.
- Good oral cleaning
You now know what to do if you happen to suffer from a dry socket condition after rh2oving a regular or wisdom tooth. Still, our advice is to head to a dentist immediately. The situation might change its shape and get more serious. reach out to Pearl Dentistry for a quick checkup. Call now to fix an appointment at 713.766.4389
