How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Dry socket is the most common side effect of tooth extraction, occurring in approximately three percent of routine tooth extractions. It is much more common after lower wisdom teeth removal, particularly if those teeth were impacted, a situation that results in dry

socket in as many as 25 to 30 percent of cases, according to a recent review done by researchers at Dublin Dental School and Hospital. Dry socket is a very painful complication that can significantly slow the healing process. However, a number of precautions can be taken to reduce risk of developing the condition after wisdom teeth removal.

What is Dry Socket?

When a tooth is extracted, the socket, or hole in the jawbone, that once held the tooth is left empty. A blood clot forms in that socket to protect the bone and nerve tissue underneath as the area heals. A dry socket happens when that blood clot does not form properly, dissolves prematurely or is dislodged from the socket.

People who experience dry socket after wisdom teeth removal generally notice a marked increase in pain at the extraction site, usually beginning between one and three days after their procedure. That pain is caused by unprotected nerve endings coming into contact with air, fluids or foods. Many who suffer dry socket describe the pain as very intense, radiating from the socket to the ear, eye, temple or neck. Often, dry socket results in infection at the extraction site, which can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth and a foul odor on their breath.

Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Precautions to take before your procedure include discussing any medications you are taking with Dr. Falender, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and nutritional or herbal supplements, since some medications can interfere with clotting, making dry socket more likely.

High estrogen levels can interfere with clotting, so women taking oral contraceptives can reduce risk by planning wisdom teeth removal between day 23 and day 28 of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen is lowest. If you smoke, your likelyhood of developing dry socket increases.

After wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Falender will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions. Lowering your risk of dry socket depends upon reading and following those instructions to the letter. During the first 24 hours after your procedure, you’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity, since any rise in blood pressure can interfere with proper clot formation. You should be taking it very easy during this period, since rest allows your body to focus its energy on healing.

Do not use straws for drinking or smoke for at least 24 hours, since the suction these activities create in the mouth can dislodge clots. Avoid coughing, sneezing or spitting during this period, and mouth rinsing or teeth brushing should also be avoided during those initial 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal.

After 24 hours of healing, you’ll need to take care to follow your surgeon’s instructions on cleansing the area. Typically, you’ll be advised to rinse your mouth very gently with salt water several times daily. Be sure to stick to soft foods for five to seven days to avoid irritating the extraction site.

While taking good care of yourself before and after wisdom teeth removal can reduce your risk of developing dry socket, it cannot be eliminated entirely. For this reason, it’s important to watch for the signs of this painful condition as you recover from your procedure and notify your surgeon immediately if you suspect a problem. Fortunately, dry socket typically resolves within three to six days with proper treatment.

Make informed choices when it comes to wisdom teeth removal in Indianapolis. Download the free eBook, How to Avoid Wisdom Teeth Problems.