Everything aboutDry socketDry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a painful dental problem that sometimes occurs after the extraction of a permanent tooth in adults. This issue arises after
tooth extractionA blood clot forms in the created socket, which not only protects the underlying bone and nerve but also begins the healing process. If, for any reason, the blood clot is dislodged, it will lead to a dry socket.The blood clot also serves as the foundation for new bone growth and soft tissue development over the clot.
In this case, the underlying bone and nerve become exposed to irritants in the oral environment, causing intense pain. When the socket fills up withfood debrisit becomes inflamed, increasing the pain. Pain from dry socket typically starts 1-3 days after tooth extraction.
Dry socket is the most common complication of tooth extraction, especially for wisdom teeth (wisdom teeth) Over-the-counter pain medications alone are not sufficient to treat this dental pain. The dentist or oral surgeon will provide treatment recommendations and solutions.
Some symptoms and signs of dry socket include:
- Severe pain within a few days following tooth extraction
- Loss of all or part of the blood clot at the site of the extraction
- Visible bone in the empty socket
- Pain radiating from the socket to the ear, eye, temple, neck, and the side of the face where the tooth was extracted
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Mild fever
When should you see a doctor?
Some level of pain and discomfort after tooth extraction is normal; however, the pain can be managed with pain relievers prescribed by a dentist. If you experience severe and new pain after tooth extraction, visit your dentist immediately.
What causes dry socket?
As explained in our dental health sectionSelMagzthe exact causes of this issue are still being studied, but researchers suggest that the following factors may be involved:
- Bacterial contamination of the tooth socket
- Severe trauma to the bone and tissue at the surgical site
Factors that may increase the risk of developing dry socket include:
Smoking and tobacco use:Tobacco in these products disrupts or slows the healing process, thus causing contamination at the wound site. Puffing on a cigarette can physically lead to premature dislodgment of the blood clot.
Use ofcontraceptive pills:High levels of estrogen in these medications can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of dry socket.Lack of proper home care:
Failing to follow care and proper oral hygiene instructions increases the risk of developing dry socket.Previous history of dry socket:
If you have experienced this problem previously, you are more likely to have it again during future extractions.Dental and gum infections:
Any current or previous infections in the mouth and teeth increase the risk of developing dry socket.Some side effects of dry socket:Dry socket can gradually lead to infection and more serious complications, but potential complications include delayed healing or infection in the tooth socket or turning into chronic bone infection (osteomyelitis).
Preventing dry socket:
Things to do before having a tooth extracted include:
Choosing an experienced dentist or oral surgeon
Quitting smoking
- Discussing with your dentist about any medications you take including supplements and
- contraceptive pills
- since they can interfere withblood clotting.Actions your dentist or oral surgeon can take may include prescribing one or several medications and recommendations to help prevent dry socket, such as:Usingantibacterial mouthwashes and gels before and after surgery
Taking
- oral antibiotics if the immune system is weak and at riskApplying antiseptic solutions to the woundUsing medicated dressings on the wound
- Post-surgery actions include:– Rest: Rest on the day of tooth extraction until your dentist advises otherwise and seriously adhere to the restrictions on activities and exercises set out by your dentist, as they may lead to dislodgment of the blood clot.– Pain management: Apply a cold compress on the first day after tooth extraction and a warm compress afterward on the outside of your face to help reduce pain and swelling.
- – Follow your dentist’s instructions regarding this matter and take pain medications as prescribed.
- – After surgery, drink plenty of water and, as advised by your dentist, avoid caffeinated, carbonated, or hot drinks. Additionally, for at least a week, drink through a straw as sucking can cause dry socket.
– In the initial days after extraction, eat soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, fruit puree,
boiled eggs,
mashed potatoes,
soups,
and pudding. Once the wound has healed, you can transition to semi-soft foods. Ice cream can also be consumed to alleviate pain. Afterward, try to remove any food particles left in your mouth. Additionally, avoid hard, chewy, spicy, and crunchy foods.– Be cautious with hot and cold fluids and biting your lips and teeth while numb. After the numbness wears off, avoid chewing on the side where the surgery was performed.– Oral hygiene: It is better to avoid brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours after extraction, and for one week after surgery, rinse your mouth several times a day with
warm salt water.Home remedies for dry socketThe purpose of these treatments is to alleviate specific symptoms, particularly pain, which we address in this section of SelMagz dental health.1. Cold compressIngredients:Ice waterThin cloth
Instructions:
First, dip a thin towel in cold water. Then, take it out and wring it to remove excess water. Next, apply the cold towel on your face to relieve pain. Hold the towel in place for 15-17 minutes, then repeat this process 4-5 times a day, and after two days to reduce pain and swelling, use a warm compress.2. Clove oilIngredients:
Cotton or cotton swab
Clove oil
Instructions:
First, dip a piece of cotton into
- clove oil
- and place it in the tooth socket for one minute. After that, remove the cotton and rinse your mouth with
warm water.
This process should be repeated for several days.
3. Tea tree oil
Ingredients:
- 1-2 drops of tea tree oil
- A piece of cotton
Instructions:
First, dip the cotton in tea tree oil. Then, press it against the affected area and wait for 5 minutes. Finally, remove the cotton and rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat this treatment about 2-3 times a day.4. Saltwater mouthwashIngredients:Half a teaspoon of saltA glass of warm water
Instructions:
First, mix the salt in the warm water until it dissolves completely. Then, use this solution as a mouthwash for rinsing your mouth 2-3 times a day.
- 5.
- Black tea
Tea bag
Ingredients:
One tea bag
Half a cup of hot water
- Instructions:
- First, steep the tea bag in hot water, then remove it after 5 minutes and squeeze it well to remove excess water. Next, place the tea bag in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
After that, gently apply the tea bag to the wound for 6-10 minutes while pressing your teeth together. Finally, remove the bag and rinse your mouth with the cooled tea.
6. Garlic
*Method oneIngredients:One clove of garlic
Instructions:
- First, place fresh garlic in your mouth and crush it with your teeth. As the
- juice flows
from the garlic, the pain will gradually lessen. After 5 minutes, remove the garlic from your mouth and rinse it with warm water. Repeat this 2-3 times a day.
*Method two
Garlic paste:
Ingredients:
Two fresh garlic cloves
A little salt
- Mortar and pestle
Instructions:
First, pound the garlic in a mortar and add salt to form a paste. Then, apply the paste to the tooth socket for 30 minutes. Finally, rinse your mouth with warm water.7. Turmeric with water or milk*Method one:
Ingredients:
One teaspoon of turmeric
Some water or milk
- A piece of cotton
- Instructions:
- First, mix turmeric with water or milk to form a paste. Then, dip the cotton in it and apply it to the tooth socket for 20 minutes. Finally, rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
*Method two:
Turmeric mouthwash:
Ingredients:
One teaspoon of turmeric
A glass of warm water
- Instructions:
- First, dissolve the turmeric in warm water and mix it well. Then, use this solution to rinse your mouth as a mouthwash. Repeat this several times a day.
- 8.
Apple cider vinegar
and water
Ingredients:
Equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water
Instructions:
- First, mix the apple cider vinegar and water, and rinse your mouth with this solution 2-3 times a day.
- In another method, you can soak cotton in this solution and place it on the tooth socket for 10-12 minutes.
Dry socket
Dry socket
Causes of dry socketTreatment for dry socketDry socket
Causes of dry socket
- Symptoms of dry socket
Dry socket
Complications of dry socketSymptoms of dry socketDry socket
Post-extraction care
