When a tooth is damaged with no hope of repair, your dentist will recommend tooth extraction to ensure no more additional issues arise. However, complications can occur even after the dentist removes your tooth. A dry socket is a common complication that occurs after tooth extraction when the blood clot gets dislodged.
Many individuals ask, “When can I stop worrying about a dry socket?”
In this blog, we will explain what causes a dry socket and when to stop worrying about it. Carry on reading to find out.
What is a Dry Socket?
When the jaw is recovering from tooth removal, a blood clot develops in the empty socket. The blood clot helps fill the hole where your tooth used to be, and it is an essential part of recovery. Infection, bacteria, food particles, and other contaminants cannot affect the socket thanks to the clot.
In some rare cases, the blood clot fails to form or gets dislocated due to a few factors which expose the surgery site. This is known as a dry socket, a condition that results in excruciating pain along with other symptoms. A dry socket is not a minor issue; you’ll need to visit your dentist immediately for prompt treatment. Not only does a dry socket leave room for infection and debris, but it also delays the healing process.
Causes of Dry Socket
One of the complications after a tooth extraction is a dry socket. It increases the risk of infections and other painful symptoms. Therefore, you need to stay informed on what could lead to this condition. This way, you will not have to worry about a dry socket or the discomfort it brings. Some common reasons why a dry socket occurs include:
- Swollen gums or tissues after extraction
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Aggressive brushing
- Forceful rinsing
- Using a straw
Does Dry Socket Heal On Its Own?
You should immediately get treatment if you suspect a dry socket. Gently rinse your mouth with a lukewarm saltwater solution while you wait to visit the dental office. Moreover, you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and a hot compress to alleviate pain. Stick to the dentist’s instructions to prevent the condition from worsening. In the end, though, you will need professional intervention to get rid of the dry socket.
When to Stop Worrying About a Dry Socket
There’s always a possibility of a dry socket until and unless the hole fully recovers. In general, you can stop worrying about the dry socket after 7-10 days. This is because your gums will require this time to close. Nonetheless, everyone’s healing process looks different. Furthermore, healing after tooth extraction depends on factors such as age, oral hygiene, health, and more.
You should not hesitate to contact your dental team if any unusual symptoms appear. If you experience the following, contact your dentist right away:
- Severe toothache
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Inflammation
- Fever after tooth removal
Prevent Complications After Tooth Extraction
Removing a damaged tooth is not the end of dental health issues. In fact, you need to stay more cautious to ensure the extraction site heals properly without any complications. Still, a dry socket can appear. You can ensure a safe recovery and painless procedures by visiting our Spring Cypress Dental team at 17330 Spring Cypress Rd. STE+ 115 Cypress, TX, 77429 or dialing (281) 256-3222 to talk to us.(281) 256-3222