Tooth Extraction Aftercare: How to Prevent Dry Socket

After a tooth extraction, your body forms a protective blood clot over the treatment site. This blood clot covers your tooth, bone, and nerves and protects foreign debris from irritating them.

Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, occurs when this blood clot dissolves or is dislodged too early. In the absence of the protective clot, underlying bone and nerves are exposed.  Dry socket isn’t overly common. It occurs between 2% to 5% of the time after a tooth extraction. But when it does, it can be painful.

Fortunately, with caution and planning, you can avoid suffering from a dry socket.

In this blog, Denis Mustedanagic, DMD of Me Dental Spa in West Hollywood, California, offers a step-by-step guide for reducing the risk of a dry socket.

How to prevent dry socket

Proper care can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a dry socket. These instructions help ensure that you heal properly, avoid infections, and avoid complications like a dry socket.

Skip straws

Steer clear of using straws or creating any suction in your mouth in the first few days after your extraction. The sucking action can dislodge the blood clot and increase the risk of a dry socket. 

Drink from a glass and avoid spitting forcefully.

Quit smoking

If you haven’t already quit smoking, now is the time. Smoking is a primary risk factor for developing dry socket. Smokers have a 13.2% chance of developing dry socket versus a 3.8% chance of non-smokers. 

The chemicals in tobacco can disrupt healing, and the sucking motion can aggravate the protective blood clot. If you smoke,  avoid doing so for at least 72 hours post-surgery, and preferably longer.

Stick to soft foods

The first few days after your extraction, stick to soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. You can still consume plenty of variety: scrambled eggs, cheesy mashed potatoes, overnight oatmeal, soups, smoothies, or yogurt.   Crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods can irritate the extraction site.

Clean your teeth gently

Be careful when cleaning around the extraction site, and don’t brush or use a Waterpik directly on it. Brush your teeth and the surrounding teeth gently. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash, but don’t swish, as this could dislodge the clot. Instead, move your head gently side-to-side to rinse.

Manage pain and swelling

Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to your cheek to help reduce swelling and numb the area. Consider using a cold compress designed for facial surgery — these stay in place with velcro straps and won’t slide off. If necessary, Dr. Mustedanagic may prescribe pain medication.

Take a break from strenuous exercise

Avoid strenuous activities that can increase your blood pressure and might disturb the blood clot. Take it easy for the first few days after your surgery, avoiding heavy lifting and intense exercise.

Learn the warning signs of dry socket

Despite your best efforts, dry socket can still occur. Watch for signs such as severe pain that radiates to your ear, eye, or temple, an empty-looking socket, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact us immediately.

When you arrive, Dr. Mustedanagic will review your symptoms and examine your mouth for any signs of dry socket and/or infections. Dry socket is typically treated by:

• Flushing out the socket to remove any food debris 
• Applying a dressing with topical medication
• Taking pain relief medication
• Self-care at home

Symptoms that signal an infection include swelling, fever, pus, and a foul taste in the mouth. Dr. Mustedanagic prescribes antibiotics for bacterial infections. 

For information about dry socket and oral healthcare needs, call our office or message us through our website.