If you have ever had your wisdom teeth or any other teeth extracted, you may know what a dry socket is. The socket is the hole in the bone where the tooth has been extracted from. After a tooth is extracted, a blood clot usually forms inside of the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. If the clot comes out, it will leave the bone and nerve exposed to air, food, fluids, and anything else that enters the mouth. This can cause infection and lead to severe pain.
What does a dry socket look like? a dry looking opening, there will be just bone and over time, the pain will increase until you are treated by a dental professional.
How is dry socket treated? You can take over the counter aspirin to ease the discomfort but this is only temporary. Your dental professional will clean the socket and remove any debris that has gotten inside. We then place a special paste to promote healing and you may need to come back every day until it has healed to where it is not hurting you anymore.
How do I get dry socket? After we extract your tooth, we give you specific instructions for you to follow so that it heals properly and you do not get dry socket.
- Smoking causes dry socket
Any forceful swishing, sucking, or spitting in the mouth- Alcoholic beverages
- have greater than usual trauma after the extractions
- Have poor oral hygiene
