Taking care of your mouth after having your wisdom teeth removed is an important step to ensuring proper healing and preventing complications. One possible complication that some people may experience after the surgery is a condition called a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal. In this article, we’ll explain what dry socket is, how to spot the symptoms, and the best ways to prevent it.
What Is a Dry Socket?
After your Perth dentist removes your wisdom tooth, your body starts healing by forming a blood clot at the extraction site. This clot is very important because it helps protect the area and allows it to heal properly. Sometimes, this blood clot may dislodge too soon and leave the bone and nerves exposed. This condition is what dentists call a dry socket. It can be very painful, but it’s a common issue, and your dentist can help you with it.
Signs of Dry Socket after Wisdom Tooth Extraction
It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal so that you can take the necessary steps to manage it. Here’s what to watch out for:
Pain
It is normal to experience some discomfort after having your wisdom tooth removed, but the pain caused by a dry socket is a lot sharper and may worsen over time. This pain can also spread to your ear, eye, the side of your head, or neck on the same side as your tooth that was extracted.
Visible Bone
One of the signs of a dry socket is seeing bone instead of a dark blood clot in the place where your tooth was removed.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
If you have a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal, you are likely to experience bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth even after you brush your teeth because an exposed socket can collect food and bacteria.
Lack of Healing
If the extraction site doesn’t seem to be healing or the pain gets worse a few days after surgery, it may be a dry socket.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact your dentist right away.
Causes and Risk Factors for Dry Socket after Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A dry socket occurs if the blood clot that’s supposed to protect the tooth extraction site doesn’t form properly or is accidentally removed. Without this blood clot, the bone and nerves will be left exposed, which can lead to discomfort and a slower healing process. Let’s talk about why this may happen and what can increase your risks of getting a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal so that you can avoid it.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Avoid smoking after having your wisdom teeth extracted because it can dislodge the clot, slow down healing and increase the risk of dry sockets.
Not Following Care Instructions
Your dentist will give you some instructions to follow after your wisdom tooth extraction, like not using straws, spitting forcefully, or eating hard foods. Ignoring these instructions can dislodge the clot and interfere with the healing process.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean after the surgery is important, but you have to be gentle because brushing too hard can disturb the clot. However, make sure you clean your mouth well because skipping oral hygiene can also lead to problems because it allows bacteria to build up.
Previous Dry Socket Experience
If you’ve had a dry socket after a tooth extraction in the past, you may be more likely to get it again. Make sure to tell your dentist because they can take extra steps to help prevent it.
Having Wisdom Teeth Pulled on the Lower Jaw
A dry socket seems to be more common when teeth are extracted from the lower jaw than the upper jaw, although the reasons for this remain unclear.
Use of Birth Control Pills
According to some studies, hormonal changes in women, especially from birth control pills, may increase the risk of dry sockets. Timing your tooth extraction with your menstrual cycle may help reduce this risk.
Infection
If you had an infection before your tooth extraction, you may have an increased risk of developing a dry socket.
How to Prevent a Dry Socket after Wisdom Teeth Removal
Avoiding this painful condition can help you have a smooth and comfortable recovery. Here’s how you can help prevent a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal.
Follow Your Dentist’s Advice
Right after your wisdom teeth are removed, your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth. Following these tips is essential to help your healing process.
Avoid Sucking Motions
For the first few days, try not to do anything that requires a sucking motion, like using a straw or smoking, because it can dislodge the blood clot that’s forming at the extraction site.
Soft Foods Are Your Friends
Eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Foods like yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies are great. Avoid eating crunchy or hard foods that may irritate the extraction site.
Gentle Mouth Care
Rinse your mouth gently to keep your mouth clean. Your dentist may suggest using saltwater or a special mouthwash. Be careful not to rinse or spit too forcefully, as it could disrupt the clot.
Rest and Relax
Take it easy for a few days to help your body heal. Avoid intense exercise or activities that could increase your blood pressure and slow down the healing process.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth clean and support your overall health, but remember to sip gently.
Treating Dry Socket: Your Path to Relief
We understand how painful a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal can be, but there are simple ways to ease the discomfort and help it heal.
See Your Dentist
If you think you have a dry socket, the first thing you need to do is to make an appointment with your dentist. They can check it out to see if you have a dry socket and then start treatment right away.
Cleaning the Site
Your dentist may start by cleaning the extraction site to remove any debris that could be causing pain. This step is important for the healing process.
Medicated Dressings
Your dentist may put a medicated dressing in the socket to ease the pain and protect the area. You may need to return for dressing changes until the area starts healing properly.
Pain Management
Your dentist may also recommend pain reliever medications to help manage the discomfort. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications are enough, but in some cases, you may need something stronger.
Home Care
In addition to the treatments you receive from your dentist, you will need to take care of the area at home. This includes rinsing your mouth gently with salt water or a prescribed mouthwash to keep it clean and help it heal.
Rest and Nutrition
Take it easy and eat nutritious and soft foods to help your body heal faster. Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw because they can slow down healing.
To learn more about wisdom teeth, see our extensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.
Smile with Confidence: Let Us Take Care of You
At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, your comfort and recovery matter to us. If you’re dealing with a dry socket or have any concerns after wisdom teeth removal, give us a call. When dealing with sudden dental pain, an emergency dentist Perth is there to provide swift assistance. Furthermore, we are proud to be a Bupa preferred provider, Medibank preferred provider, NIB preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, and HBF preferred provider dentist in Perth. Contact us today at (08) 9474 5083—we’re here for you!