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A dry socket is also known as fibrinolytic osteitis or alveolar osteitis. It is a common complication of tooth extractions (like wisdom tooth removal) that can occur 2 to 5 days after the extraction procedure.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot around the extraction site fails to develop or becomes dislodged. This exposes the socket and the nerve endings to food and bacteria.
Let’s discuss what you can do to prevent dry sockets, methods a dentist would do, and the symptoms to watch out for in case you develop one.
After getting a tooth removed, you should be gentle with your mouth to give it the time it needs to heal properly. Here are a few things you can do to prevent a dry socket:
There are some standard practices dentists use to prevent the occurrence of a dry socket. They include:
Antibiotics are an effective way to prevent postoperative complications like dry sockets. However, some studies suggest the risks of developing complications are too minimal to continue prescribing antibiotics.
Researchers are also concerned that taking antibiotics before tooth extractions might cause bacterial resistance.
Using antiseptic mouthwash before a tooth extraction helps prevent dry socket. Betadine or povidone-iodine 1% mouthwash is especially beneficial for older people who are more at risk of developing dry socket.
Betadine is a mixture of povidone and iodine which contains short-acting but wide-spectrum bactericidal effects. It also helps against sporicidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity. Its effects also last longer than other antiseptics.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some people shouldn’t use Betadine, specifically:
Chlorhexidine mouthwashes, gels, and sprays are antiseptic disinfectants that can help reduce bacteria in your mouth. It also helps with other conditions like:
Chlorhexidine mouthwashes or gels can be used by people 12 years or older. Common side effects include staining of the teeth and tongue, taste changes, and tartar formation.
After tooth extraction, dentists sometimes apply platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) dressings to the socket. These can help promote blood clot formation.
PRF is a biomaterial prepared from a person’s blood. It’s taken before a tooth extraction. Dentists prepare it using a simple processing method.
HA naturally occurs in the body’s tissues. It’s also a critical component in cell migration and proliferation, ideal for wound healing.
The combination of PRF and HA has many advantages, including:
People with dry sockets can’t prevent food particles or the tongue from stimulating the exposed bone. This causes frequent, acute pain.
Other symptoms you can watch out for include:
People often describe dry socket pain as throbbing or radiating. It can also extend from the gums to the jaw and ear area. Some people describe the pain as similar to a toothache.
If you start to notice any of these symptoms, contact a dentist immediately. Treatment is essential to ease symptoms and encourage proper healing.
People are more likely to develop this condition if they:
While dry sockets can be a painful and uncomfortable complication following tooth extraction, understanding the risk factors, prevention techniques, and treatment options can help minimize the likelihood of experiencing this issue.
We also recommend following your dentist’s instructions and maintaining proper oral hygiene for a smooth healing process.
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