How To Prevent Dry Sockets After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Posted on 8/7/2023 by Office |
 Wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to grow. They come in between when a person is seventeen to twenty-five years old. We also refer to wisdom teeth as the third molars. When wisdom teeth grow in, they can either grow well with no problems or they can be trapped in the jaw. As a result, cavities, gum diseases, and infections can occur. Thus, your dentist may recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth.
Dry socket can occur after extracting a tooth. Ideally, when you or your dentist removes a tooth, a blood clot forms in the place socket. When a dry socket occurs, it means that a blood clot did not form after you extract your tooth. This will expose the nerves and bones in your teeth, causing pain.
How To Prevent a Dry Socket
As stated earlier on, dry sockets can cause pain and it will also cause a delay in the socket's healing. Thus, it is best to avoid dry sockets to ensure a speedy recovery after tooth extraction. Here are a few ways to prevent a dry socket;
Do Not Smoke or Use Oral TobaccoFor the first forty-eight hours after tooth extraction, avoid smoking or using any tobacco products. Studies show that dry sockets are likely to occur in people who smoke after tooth extraction. The inhalation of smoke can dislodge your blood clot, stopping it from forming. Your dentist may even suggest you give up smoking before the procedure.
Stick to Soft FoodsAfter the procedure is complete, it is important that you only consume soft foods. These include foods like mashed potatoes, puddings, and sweet potatoes. However, on the second day you can try to eat other foods but should you experience any pain, go back to soft foods. These soft foods will not injure the socket; this allows the blood clot to form.
Do Not Use a StrawIt is vital that you do not use any straws in the first forty-eight hours after tooth extraction. Straws create suction in the mouth, this could pull away the blood clot and dislodge it. Once the straw dislodges the blood clot, it will lead to a dry socket.
Do Not Brush Directly on the SocketIt is important to brush your teeth to keep bacteria at bay. However, when your socket is healing from a tooth extraction, avoid brushing directly over the area. Instead, use a saltwater rinse to clean the area. You can brush other areas of your teeth, just avoid the surgical area. Disturbing this area by brushing may cause the clot to dislodge.
For your socket to heal well after tooth extraction, follow up with your dentist's instructions. If you experience any continuous pain around the extraction area, tenderness, and bad breath, you may have a dry socket. It is advisable to visit your dentist once you experience any of these symptoms.
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