Posted December 9, 2016. Avoiding and Treating Dry Socket Dry socket is a common complication after a tooth extraction, particularly molar tooth extractions. When a tooth is removed, the socket is the space remaining. After extraction a blood clot forms over the socket and is essential for proper healing. If the blood clot fails to form properly or gets dislodged prematurely, a condition known as dry socket develops. The socket has a dry appearance and looks empty. If dry socket develops, you will know it – it is extremely painful! The pain occurs because without the protective layer from the blood clot, bone tissue is exposed. Bone tissue is extremely sensitive, especially when exposed to air. The exact cause of a dry socket is unknown. Sometimes they develop for no apparent reason. However, there are several factors that increase your chance of developing a dry socket: Difficult extraction If a dry socket develops, see your dentist immediately. The dentist will clean the socket, remove any debris and then pack the socket with a medicated dressing. The medicated dressing relieves the pain and aids in healing. Home care instructions will be given to you to promote the healing process. OverviewWhat is dry socket?Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can happen after tooth extraction. When your dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth, a blood clot forms in the socket (a hole in the bone where your tooth was). Dry socket happens when that blood clot dislodges (moves) or doesn’t form at all. Without the clot, your bone and nerves are exposed to the oral environment. Dry socket can be painful and delays the healing of the surgical site. After a tooth extraction, you should develop a blood clot in the socket (hole) that’s left behind. It’ll look like a dark-colored scab. But if you have a dry socket, the clot will be absent and you’ll be able to see bone. For this reason, dry sockets usually appear white. What does dry socket feel like?Dry socket can be extremely uncomfortable. In addition to intense pain at the extraction site, you may experience pain that radiates to your head and neck. Who gets dry socket?Research shows that women are slightly more likely than men to develop dry socket. This is probably due to estrogen, as the hormone may dissolve blood clots. Additionally, dry socket happens more often on the lower jaw than the upper jaw. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the warning signs of dry socket?Worsening pain in your mouth and face two to three days after the extraction is the most common symptom of dry socket. Discomfort can be mild, but it’s often severe. Other dry socket symptoms include:
What causes dry socket?Experts don’t fully understand why some people are more likely to develop dry socket. Possible risk factors include:
In addition, anything that dislodges the blood clot from your extraction site can increase your risk for dry socket, including:
Diagnosis and TestsHow are dry sockets diagnosed?Dentists typically suspect dry socket when a person experiences severe pain following a tooth extraction. They can confirm the diagnosis simply by looking at the spot where your tooth used to be. In some cases, your dentist might take dental X-rays to make sure no tooth fragments were left behind. Management and TreatmentWill a dry socket heal on its own?Yes, in most cases a dry socket will heal on its own. However, because most people experience moderate to severe dry socket pain, seeing your dentist for prompt treatment can help ease discomfort sooner. How do you fix a dry socket?Easing pain and discomfort is the main goal of dry socket treatment. Your dentist may:
What are common complications or side effects of dry socket?Pain is the most common side effect of dry socket. This pain can be severe enough to interfere with normal activities. In rare cases, a dry socket can become infected. If this happens, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection. What foods should I avoid?To reduce your risk for dry socket, avoid hard, crunchy or chewy foods. These foods can dislodge the blood clot. Instead, choose soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, eggs and pasta. How long does dry socket last?On average, a dry socket lasts about one week. Your dentist can give you tips for managing your symptoms in the meantime. PreventionCan I prevent dry sockets?People who smoke have an increased risk of developing dry socket. To reduce this risk, don’t smoke for at least three days after your tooth extraction. You can take other steps to prevent dry socket after having a tooth removed:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have dry socket?With proper care, a dry socket usually heals in seven to 10 days. In that time, new tissue grows and covers the exposed socket. Regular brushing and flossing during this time helps keep your mouth healthy and reduces your risk of infection. People who’ve had dry sockets in the past are more likely to get them again. Living WithWhen should I call my healthcare provider?Call your dentist anytime you develop severe pain that doesn’t go away with medication. They can give you instructions on how to improve your comfort level. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you recently had a tooth removed and are experiencing severe discomfort, it could be dry socket. This condition can be extremely painful, so it’s important to see your dentist at the first sign of trouble. The good news is that a dry socket usually heals in about one week. In the meantime, ask your dentist how to manage your symptoms. Does the blood clot after tooth extraction fall out?A blood clot will form in the tooth socket after the extraction. The clot protects the bone during healing. If that blood clot gets loose or comes out of the socket, you may have a dry socket, which exposes the bone. A dry socket may last for several days and can cause severe pain.
How long does the blood clot last after tooth extraction?The length of time of a blood clot's dissolution will vary from patient to patient. Typically, your tooth extraction site will be completely healed anywhere from seven to ten days after the extraction procedure.
What does it look like when a blood clot comes out after tooth extraction?It appears as a dark-colored scab. Patients should monitor the site to confirm that the blood clot forms as it should. However, nothing should be done to disturb the blood clot. If it becomes dislodged, it can cause a painful complication known as dry socket.
How do I know if my tooth blood clot fell out?Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket. Visible bone in the socket. Pain that radiates from the socket to your ear, eye, temple or neck on the same side of your face as the extraction. Bad breath or a foul odor coming from your mouth.
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