Whether you’re having your wisdom teeth extracted or a damaged molar removed, you’ll need to follow aftercare tips from your dentist. A dry socket is one of the biggest issues you’ll want to avoid. The effects can be painful and slow down recovery, so take all the necessary steps to avoid this complication. Here’s what you need to know. 

Understanding Dry Sockets

What Are They?

After a dentist has removed a tooth, they’ll have you bite down on a gauze pad. This helps a blood clot form and close the surgical site. In the following days, be careful not to dislodge it, creating a dry socket. When you do this, you expose the bone and nerve endings below it. You can often look in and see the bone beneath the wound.

This creates serious complications. You may increase your risk of infection, and it can be accompanied by excruciating pain. However, side effects can be subtler, such as bad breath, swollen glands, and fever. These are typical of infections associated with dry sockets. In some cases, it’s an emergency, and you’ll need to see a dentist so they can control the issue.

How to Prevent Them

Following extraction, you’ll want to keep the gauze pad over the wound for 24 hours or as advised by the dentist. Avoid smoking and using straws and other sucking motions that may pull the clot loose. Don’t spit either, especially when rinsing your mouth. It’s wise to stick with soft, lukewarm foods and liquids, and to, in general, take things easy for a few days. This will give you the best results.

If it’s time for a tooth extraction, turn to High Point Smile Dentistry. This Guilford County, NC, practice offers a wide scope of services, including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, a well as orthodontics. Their dentist will create a custom treatment plan that fulfills all your needs. Call (336) 884-4000 to schedule an exam, and connect on Facebook for more health tips. Visit their website to learn more about the practice.