Minimizing Dry Socket

Dry sockets are a common complication after the removal of wisdom teeth. A dry socket occurs when a blood clot is lost from an extraction site prematurely. A blood clot in the socket is very similar to a scab on a skin surface wound - they both protect while healing occurs and aid in the cessation of bleeding.

If a blood clot is lost before your socket has had time to heal, bone and nerve endings are exposed. This very painful situation should be professionally treated. A doctor can usually ease the pain with oral "packing materials," which will help block the wound and numb the verves with an anesthetic.

Usually, dry sockets are defined by a sudden increase in pain within 2-5 days post-operation. Dry sockets are often caused by interplay of numerous factors, sometimes nothing at all, but including bacteria, clot breakdown, and tissue trauma. Pain is radiating and intense but gradually subsides with treatment.

To minimize the possibility of dry sockets, we give patients the following instructions:

• Do not suck through a straw or expectorate for approximate three days.
• Do not smoke for at least three days.
• Do not disturb the clot during healing.
• Be aware that birth control medications may contribute to dry sockets.
• Be sure to use the antibiotic mouth rinse prescribed by your doctor as this has been shown to decrease the incidence of dry socket.

We also inform patients that if they experience any significant pain within a few days after the extraction, they should contact our office at their earliest convenience.

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