Learn More About Dry Socket
A dry socket can occur as a complication after tooth extraction. Symptoms include pain, bad breath, and a bad taste in your mouth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call Brabham Smiles immediately for emergency dental care. We also accept same-day walk-ins, and our team will do everything possible to help you feel better.
Get Immediate Treatment for a Dry Socket from our Emergency Dentists
Also called alveolar osteitis, a dry socket is one of the complications that can occur after tooth extraction. Your bones and nerves are exposed without the clot, leading to severe pain, inflammation, and an increased risk of infection.
If you are experiencing a dry socket, you can receive emergency dental care from Brabham Smiles. Our emergency dentists can flush the socket to remove food debris and other particles and apply a medicated dressing. For pain relief, we may also recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. We will also provide you with instructions on how to care for the socket at home. Please call us if you think you may be suffering from a dry socket so we can set up an appointment for you.
Common Causes of Dry Sockets
- Poor dental hygiene, which can lead to bacterial contamination
- Things that enter the mouth, such as food and drinks, can also transmit bacteria
- A difficult extraction, such as for an impacted wisdom tooth, may cause trauma at the surgical site
- Failure to take care of the extraction site
- Use of oral contraceptives
Dental Services that Can Address Dry Socket
Emergency Dentist
By irrigating the socket and removing any debris, an emergency dentist can provide relief from pain and help to promote healing. They may also apply a medicated dressing in the socket to further speed up the healing process.
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Frequently Asked Questions About
Dry Socket
What are the signs of a dry socket?
A dry socket is characterised by increasing pain in your mouth and jaw within two to three days of extraction. Some of the signs are:
- An empty socket with no blood clot
- The socket has a visible bone
- Bad breath
- Slight fever
Is dry socket painful?
How can I manage a dry socket?
After you have received professional treatment, you will need to continue with home care for several days to manage your dry socket.
- Rinse the socket gently with saline solution or medicated rinse, as your dentist instructed.
- Take pain medication as directed.
- To reduce pain and swelling, apply cold packs to the outside of the face after extraction and warm packs afterwards. Make sure you follow the dentist’s instructions.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid nausea caused by some pain medications.
- Wash your mouth gently several times a day with warm salt water.
- Gently brush around the dry socket when brushing your teeth.
- Eat or drink with caution and avoid carbonated drinks.
- Don’t use a straw when drinking to prevent dislodging the dressing or the blood clot.
- Continue to see your dentist for follow-up appointments to ensure that your wound heals properly.
How can I prevent dry sockets from occurring?
Here are some ways to prevent dry sockets:
- If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements, tell your dentist. Some medications can prevent blood clotting, which can cause dry sockets.
- Smoking should be avoided for at least three days following tooth extraction.
- Do not drink through a straw, and be careful when you rinse and spit, as these can loosen the blood clot.
- Do not drink hot or carbonated beverages.
- Comply with all aftercare instructions from your dentist.
What should I not do when I have a dry socket?
- Do not chew or smoke tobacco.
- Avoid foods and drinks that will irritate the area and increase the discomfort, such as carbonated beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol.
- Stay away from crunchy and hard foods, such as nuts and popcorn, to prevent opening or getting debris trapped in the socket.
- Don’t engage in strenuous exercise or sports that may dislodge the blood clot.
