How to Prevent Dry Sockets After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The wisdom teeth are the set of molars farthest back in the mouth. They emerge during one's teen years or early twenties.

Unfortunately, their location in your mouth can lead to problems. That’s why they need to be extracted in many cases. While the procedure is safe, it carries the risk of causing dry sockets during recovery.

To better understand, let’s explore what happens after a tooth extraction, what can lead to dry socket, and how to prevent it.

If you live in the Mamaroneck, New York, or Stamford, Connecticut, area and are dealing with dry socket after an extraction, Dr. Gennadiy Kravets and his dedicated staff at All Bright Dental can help.

What to expect after a tooth extraction

The wisdom tooth extraction process takes about an hour. Once the procedure is finished, you won’t feel any discomfort until the local anesthetic wears off. However, swelling, bruising, and bleeding are immediate.

You may also experience a weird taste in your mouth and possible numbness or tingling in the mouth or cheek. Swelling and bruising may increase over the next 2-4 days. In about two weeks, most symptoms will resolve.

Issues that can lead to dry socket

When the tooth is removed, a blood clot should form to plug the empty space. A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) results from the clot either not forming or being dislodged. This can occur due to the use of a straw, smoking, swishing fluids too vigorously in your mouth, or not keeping the extraction site free of harmful bacteria.

For women, taking birth control can impact how your body heals, which may increase the risks of dry sockets.

Tell me about the symptoms of dry sockets

First, dry sockets are painful. Many people actually state that the pain is excruciating and throbbing. That’s because, without the clot in place, the nerves beneath are totally exposed. You might actually be able to see the bone beneath the extraction site as well. The pain does not get better, and in many cases, it worsens.

Because dry sockets often lead to infections, you might notice persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.

Prevention and treatment

Take these steps to keep a dry socket from forming after an extraction:

Avoid using straws
Use antibacterial rinse and mouthwash
Use gauze
Take antibiotics if necessary
Stop smoking

A dry socket is a possible result of wisdom tooth removal. Fortunately, it is preventable, and we can help. Make an appointment with Dr. Kravets and All Bright Dental today to get the help you need before, during, and after a wisdom tooth extraction.