How To Prevent Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth has been removed, the tooth's protective scab is lost and the nerves are exposed.There is an exposed area of the alveolar bone and nerves left after a tooth is removed.Extra visits to the oral surgeon are possible because of the condition.If you want to prevent this from happening to you, learn what preventative measures you can take.
Step 1: You can find a surgeon.
Dry sockets can be caused by the way the tooth is removed.Speak to your surgeon about what to expect during the procedure.Make sure you are given all the information you need.Your oral surgeon will provide you with mouth rinses and gels to help you heal.When the surgery is over, the surgeon will dress your wound with antiseptic solutions and bandages.
Step 2: Find out if the medicines you take interfere with the procedure.
Blood clotting can be prevented with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications.Women are more at risk of developing dry sockets if they use oral contraceptives.If you are a woman taking oral contraceptives, it is possible to schedule the extraction during days 23 to 28 of your cycle, when your estrogen levels are low.
Step 3: Smoking should be stopped a few days before the procedure.
Smoking, chewing tobacco or using other tobacco products can affect the healing process of your sockets.If you want to increase your chances of getting dry sockets, consider using a nicotine patch or other substitute for a few days.
Step 4: It's a good idea to clean your mouth.
It takes a few days to clean your mouth after an open wound.Do not rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth for 24 hours.You can start brushing your teeth after 12 hours if you have stitches and the gum covers the site completely.You should avoid the area.Don't put too much pressure on your mouth, rinse it with saltwater every two hours and after every meal.Be careful not to touch the wound while brushing your teeth.Don't floss near the wound.
Step 5: Get a lot of rest.
Your body's energy should be focused on healing.It shouldn't be a problem to take a few days off of work and school to allow yourself to rest after surgery.Don't talk much.As the sockets begin to form a scab and the swelling goes down, let your mouth be still.Do not do unnecessary exercise.For the first 24 hours, lie on the sofa, then walk for a few days.Try not to sleep on the other side of the extraction for two to three days.
Step 6: Do not drink beverages other than water.
Don't drink beverages that might interfere with the healing process after the surgery.Coffee, soda, and other drinks that contain caffeine should not be consumed.Wine, beer, liquor, and other drinks contain alcohol.There are drinks that are carbonated.The scab that is forming over the sockets can be loosened with hot tea, hot water, and other drinks that are warm or hot.Don't use a straw to drink liquids.The sucking motion puts stress on the wound and can cause it to not form.
Step 7: Soft foods are good to eat.
It's a good idea to chew tough foods to break up the scab that protects your nerves.For the first couple of days, eat mashed potatoes, soup, applesauce, yogurt and other soft food.When you can eat semi soft foods without feeling pain, you should move to them.Don't eat the following foods until you have completely healed your mouth.There are foods like caramel and toffee.Like apples and potato chips.It can irritate the wound and prevent it from healing.
Step 8: It's a good idea to avoid smoking for as long as possible.
Smoke for the first 24 hours after surgery.Your mouth will heal faster if you wait a few more days.Don't chew tobacco for a week after surgery.
Step 9: It's a good idea to know when your sockets are dry.
Pain alone isn't an indication of a dry sockets.If you experience increased pain two days after the surgery, you probably have dry sockets.The pain is usually gone after five days.Good hygiene and avoiding getting food stuck in the site are all you have to do.If you see any of these issues, you might have an exposed bone.There is a surgical wound in your mouth.You have a dry socket if you don't see a scab or exposed bone.Bad breath.A bad smell coming from your mouth is an indication that the wound isn't healing well.
Step 10: Go to the dentist right away.
If you have a dry socket, it's important to have it treated by your dentist or surgeon.The dentist will dress the wound to promote cell generation.You may be given an extra prescription to deal with the increased pain that can come from your mouth up to your ears.Don't forget to follow the dentist's instructions for caring for a dry socket.Don't eat foods that are hard to chew or smoke.It is possible that you will be asked to come back every day to have your dress changed.New tissue will form over the exposed wound which contains nerves and vessels.It may take a while to heal.