Minimize risk of dry socket after teeth extractions in the Woodstock area

After removal of a tooth, the body naturally forms a blood clot in the empty socket. This clot protects underlying bone, and saves you a great deal of discomfort. But in some cases, the clot is lost or destroyed a few days after it forms. This is known as dry socket.

Dry socket is easy to recognize, usually within three to five days following the extraction. If, more than twenty-four hours after your procedure, you experience throbbing pain in the treatment area, along the jaw, or in the ear, you may have a dry socket. We provide the utmost level of care during teeth extractions. Our patients from Woodstock and surrounding areas are closely monitored, and encouraged to contact us immediately if this situation occurs.

Take extra care in the first days following tooth extraction to significantly decrease risk of dry socket. Limit your diet to foods that are soft and cool. Drink plenty of water and healthy shakes like SlimFast or Ensure, and gradually add in pudding, ice cream, soups, and soft canned vegetables. Initially, foods should be made as fluid as possible. Thin them with additional milk or water and puree in a blender. Consuming the softest possible foods for a few days creates the environment needed for clot formation.

By the second day after tooth extraction, you should have little discomfort or swelling. This is when it becomes tempting to eat foods that are more dense. Discipline in continuing a soft food diet for another few days is beneficial. Try adding small pieces of scrambled egg, soft canned fruits such as peaches, or small bites of Jell-o.

Starting the day after tooth extraction, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, approximately 1/4 teaspoon in an eight ounce glass of water. You may rinse up to three times a day, allowing the water to gently flow around the mouth. Avoid swishing and spitting. Simply lean over and let the warm salt water run out of the mouth. This keeps the mouth clean and decreases the risk of infection.

The blood clot is forming within the first five days. Don’t touch the socket with a finger or the tongue, or eat foods that require chewing – you could dislodging the clot.

Rest is always important to the healing process. After tooth extraction, it certainly doesn't hurt to take it easy for a few days. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise to let your body heal.

Although dry socket is not a common occurrence, it is a potential complication that worries many patients. We are here to answer your questions and follow you through the healing process after extraction.

Contact Thirty-Two Dental to experience excellent care.

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