Dry socket, a more common term for alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that affects the site of the tooth extraction. It occurs when a blood clot does not form properly or is dislodged. This happens after certain procedures such as getting your wisdom teeth pulled.
Pain is always common after a tooth extraction procedure. If this pain suddenly becomes worse in the days following the procedure, it could be a sign of dry socket. A sharp and sudden increase in pain which can also be accompanied with a foul taste or smell are symptoms of dry socket. This pain can travel up and down the neck and head, possibly reaching your ears.
Smoking is a large cause of dry socket. It impedes the healing of wounds anywhere on your body, especially the mouth where smoke has been inhaled. It decreases the amount of oxygen available in the healing tissues.
The use of hormonal contraceptives can also be a risk factor for dry socket, while women in general are at a higher risk because of estrogen. Estrogen also slows down the healing process in your body but not as significantly as smoking.
Dentists have advised their patients to avoid drinking through straws following an extraction procedure. Straws create negative pressure in the mouth which can dislodge the clot. This is the same reason for avoiding spitting saliva or anything from your mouth due to the negative pressure it creates.
Rinsing with warm salt water and maintaining good oral hygiene is highly advised to avoid getting dry socket. Only brush non sensitive areas of your mouth., avoiding the area of extraction. This should begin 24 hours after the procedure.
There is no actual treatment for dry socket as it tends to heal on its own over time. The pain usually lasts for a few days and will eventually subside. You can obtain a sedative dressing from your dentist to place over the inflamed area to soothe the swelling. If the pain is too intense, your dentist or doctor might prescribe additional analgesics.
