If you are about to have a tooth extracted, your dentist may warn you about the issue of dry socket. This painful condition happens only occasionally and is temporary when it does happen. It's important that you know the difference between normal discomfort and the symptoms of dry socket, so read on to find out more.
What is Dry Socket?
After an extraction, the space left in the gum by the roots and bottom of the tooth form a space. This space normally gets filled with blood as a result of the procedure and eventually, a blood clot naturally forms. The blood clot helps cushion the vulnerable areas in your gums that would otherwise come into contact with the air and with food and drinks. In some instances, the blood clot dissolves or is dislodged before proper healing has occurred. The sockets left by wisdom tooth extraction and by the removal of bottom teeth are more likely to become dry.
The Symptoms of Dry Socket
It's normal to have pain at the site of an extracted tooth. The discomfort should fade quickly, however. If you notice any of the following and it's been at least a day or two since the procedure was performed, call your dentist:
- Sudden, intense pain in the extraction area.
- The blood clot coming loose.
- The pain medication suggested or prescribed by the dentist is no longer adequate for the job.
- There is a visibly empty area where the tooth was removed.
- An unpleasant taste or bad breath.
- Pain and discomfort that seems to spread from your mouth to your eye, ear, forehead, and jaw.
- You are running a mild fever
- Your lymph nodes are swollen.
Treatment of Dry Socket
The area must be cleaned and kept clean of bacteria and food particles until it's fully healed. Your dentist will gently irrigate the dry socket using antibacterial washes or saline. Once clean, the dry socket is packed with a dressing that may need to be changed over the coming days. The dressing is often infused with more antibacterial medicine. Fortunately, this washing and packing action can provide welcome and immediate pain relief. Often, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to guard against infection and to reduce the swelling of the gums. When the dressing is removed, gently flushing the socket with a syringe and a saline solution will help keep it clean and clear of food debris. After treatment, you can expect rapid healing and relief from the pain.
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