Following a tooth extraction, most people return to feeling normal within a week or two. For some, it takes just a few days to bounce back. In rare cases, though, a complication known as dry socket develops. It can seriously slow down your healing process and cause a significant amount of pain. What is dry socket? What can you do to prevent it? This blog post provides practical information to help you enjoy a smooth recovery.

What Is Dry Socket?

After a tooth extraction, a blood clot should form in the empty socket. The clot’s job is to protect the socket and help the area to heal. Dry socket is the condition that occurs when the blood clot does not form properly or gets prematurely dislodged. This issue can cause intense pain, similar to what you would suffer with a severe toothache.

The risk of dry socket is at its peak 3 – 5 days after tooth removal, but it can happen at any time before the extraction site is completely healed.

How to Prevent Dry Socket

You should not let the possibility of dry socket scare you. In most cases, it can be prevented if you implement some basic precautions:

• Do not smoke. Nicotine can restrict blood flow and slow down your body’s ability to heal.
• Do not use a drinking straw. The suction action could knock your blood clot out of place.
• Do not touch your extraction site. As tempting as it might be to probe the area with your fingers or tongue, you should resist doing so.
• Watch your diet. Tough or crunchy foods could damage your blood clot. You should adhere to a no-chew diet for at least a few days.
• Do not brush the extraction site. A toothbrush should not directly contact the site of your missing tooth for a few days after your procedure. However, you should continue with your regular oral hygiene routine for the rest of your teeth.
• Do not spit vigorously. Rather, swallow excess saliva or absorb it with a tissue.

What if You Develop Dry Socket?

If you start to experience severe pain at your extraction site, or you see that your tooth socket looks empty, talk to your dentist or oral surgery team. They can clean the area and use a medicated dressing to promote healing. With appropriate care, dry socket usually heals within 7 – 10 days.

Dry socket can be a painful post-extraction complication! Do your best to prevent it so you can avoid discomfort and get back to your normal routine ASAP.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Tamir Anver is an accomplished oral surgeon who offers a range of complex services, including tooth extractions. If you believe you need to have a tooth removed, or you have questions about the posttreatment experience, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact Texas Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants at 972-960-1111.