WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a dry socket? A dry socket is a painful condition that develops 1 to 3 days after a permanent tooth has been extracted (removed). It happens when the blood clot at the site of the extraction dissolves, exposing your jawbone. What increases my risk for a dry socket? - Poor oral hygiene
- Difficulty of extraction
- Smoking
- Being female
- Being 20 to 40 years of age
What are the signs and symptoms of a dry socket? - Severe, constant pain that is most intense 3 days after extraction
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
How can a dry socket be prevented? - Do not smoke. Nicotine in cigarettes may prevent your blood from clotting properly. If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you need help quitting.
- Rinse with a chlorhexidine mouthwash before and after your tooth extraction. Ask your healthcare provider where you can find an oral solution with chlorhexidine.
How is a dry socket treated? - Irrigation cleanses your dry socket and helps remove dead tissue or food. Ask your healthcare provider how to use a syringe to irrigate your dry socket.
- A dressing covers your exposed bone and prevents irritation and pain. It also keeps food from entering the dry socket.
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if you have an infection.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You continue to have pain even after you take pain medicine.
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - Your swelling is so bad that you cannot close or open your mouth.
- You have trouble breathing.
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