The good news about dry socket is it occurs rarely, in less than 5 percent of tooth removals. The bad news is, it really hurts!. It also interferes with the healing process. It occurs when the blood clot forming at your extraction site gets damaged or dislodged. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid dry socket.
If you experience severe pain following your tooth extraction, call us ASAP at 248-392-3914. You may also notice a bad taste in your mouth and bad breath that won’t go away. We can thoroughly clean the area and provide a dressing that will relieve your pain and promote healing.
To avoid dry socket, follow our tips:
- Schedule Your Extraction While You Feel Good – Frequent sneezing and coughing can dislodge a blood clot. So we recommend only having your extraction procedure if you are well. If you are sick, it’s better to reschedule.
- Watch What You Eat – You’ll want to stick to soft, bland foods for a week or so. We recommend stocking up before your extraction so you have plenty of options on hand. Good choices include yogurt, smoothies, pudding, broth, mashed potatoes and eggs. Skip chips, popcorn, and other foods that could get stuck in your socket for about two weeks.
- Clean the Area Carefully – Don’t brush your extraction site or the area immediately around it for three or four days. Instead, keep it clean with a warm saline rinse. We may also prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash. Do brush your other teeth to keep bacteria in your mouth to a mInimum.
- Abstain From Tobacco – Cigarettes and other tobacco products impede the healing process. Don’t smoke or use oral tobacco for 48 hours after your procedure. If you’ve been thinking of quitting, maybe your extraction will give you an added incentive. Ask us about smoking cessation tips.
- Avoid Overexertion – Yes, exercise is good for you. But raising your heart rate too much in the days following your procedure can cause bleeding and possible complications. Ease back into activity for the first three or four days.
- Skip Spitting and Straws – Spitting and using a straw both create pressure and suction that can dislodge a blood clot. Instead of spitting, just let liquid dribble from your mouth for a few days. And use a spoon instead of a straw to consume your smoothies. Avoid straws for a week or so.
- Get Lots of Rest – Go ahead and get in some extra Zs. It promotes healing.
At Gregg D. Bobier, DMD, we’ll ensure your tooth extraction goes well from start to finish. Call 248-392-3914 today for an appointment in our Rochester, MI office or 248-838-0658 for an appointment in Clarkston, MI.