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If you experience intense pain within a few days of a tooth extraction, you may be dealing with a dry socket. Fortunately, your dentist can help you manage the symptoms and encourage healing at the surgical site. At the Four Corners Dental Group, with locations in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK, their team tries to make dental visits as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Here, they offer some insight into the condition and how it is treated.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Socket?

The condition refers to an inflammation of the tooth socket. About 2% to 5% of people experience what’s also known as alveolar osteitis after having a tooth extraction. Normally, a blood clot forms in the gap to protect the bone and nerves after the tooth is removed. However, if it gets dislodged, it can lead to an infection and cause severe pain. Dry socket most often develops within two days of the extraction, and the intense sensation it causes is felt by the ears. 

How Is It Treated?

dentistThough dry socket can be incredibly painful, the condition is easily treated. Doctors recommend taking aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief and their anti-inflammatory properties. Also, you should see your dentist, so they can clean the extraction site and fill it with a medicated dressing. They may also prescribe antibiotics and switch out the dressing every few days until the area has healed.

The biggest risk factor for dry socket is smoking. You should refrain from using tobacco products for a few days after the extraction to encourage wound healing. If you take birth control pills or other medication that may interfere with blood clotting, talk to your dentist about this before the procedure.

If you experience severe pain after an extraction, it’s important to visit your dentist right away. At Four Corners Dental Group, the staff will make every effort to have you seen right away and resolve the issue to restore your comfort and well-being. The dental team also offers a full range of services, including dental implants and laser dentistry. Visit the website for more information about what they do, or call (907) 258-3384 to make an appointment today.

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