After a tooth is pulled, your body forms a blood clot in the space to help it heal. Sometimes, this clot gets knocked out or breaks down too early. When that happens, the bone and nerves underneath are left open to the air, food, and bacteria.
This painful condition is called dry socket. The medical term is alveolar osteitis. It can make the healing process take longer and cause strong pain in the mouth and jaw.
Uncover all the facts as you read ahead.
Why Dry Socket Happens
Dry socket happens when something goes wrong with healing. The most common cause is the loss of a blood clot. This clot is very important because it protects the bone and nerves underneath. If it gets disturbed, the area becomes very painful.
There are a few reasons this can happen. Smoking or using tobacco slows down blood flow, which can stop the clot from forming properly. Poor oral hygiene can let bacteria grow in the mouth and cause infections.
Accidentally poking the wound or rinsing the mouth too hard can also remove the clot. Even some medicines, like birth control pills, can raise the risk. All of these things make it harder for the body to heal on its own.
Signs You Might Have Dry Socket
Most people feel sore after getting a tooth removed, and that is normal. But dry socket pain feels different. It usually starts three to five days after the tooth is taken out.
The pain can be sharp and throbbing and may even spread to the ear or jaw. This condition can cause painful issues that require attention. You might also notice a space where the tooth used to be.
Instead of a dark clot, the area may look white because the bone is showing. Some people experience bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth. Others may have trouble eating, swallowing, or even opening their mouth.
How Dentists Treat Dry Socket
Once your dentist sees that you have a dry socket, they will clean out the area to remove anything that might cause infection. They may also place a medicated dressing in the socket to ease the pain and help healing begin again. If there’s an infection, you might get pain medicine or even antibiotics.
It’s important to follow the treatment plan and return for check-ups if your dentist recommends it. Most people feel better in just a few days after getting care. The pain should start to go away once the dressing is in place and the socket begins to heal again.
Take Care of Your Oral Health
Knowing about dry socket can help you feel more prepared before having a tooth pulled. Most people heal with no problems, but it’s still good to understand what can go wrong and how to avoid it. If you follow your dentist’s advice and take good care of your mouth, your chances of getting dry socket are much lower.
With expert care and gentle treatment, your recovery will always be as smooth as possible. There’s so much more to discover! Visit our blog for all the details.
