How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

During a dentist’s daily practice, we often fix a damaged or broken tooth with a crown, filling, or any other viable dental treatment. However, when the tooth is damaged beyond repair, we resort to removing or extracting it. It should be noted that there are several reasons as to why we at Chestermere Dental might recommend a tooth extraction, from overcrowding teeth to a damaged tooth or even because of incoming wisdom teeth. The latter reason is arguably the basis of our topic today!

Teeth extraction of any kind ought to result in minimal pain. However, more often than not, wisdom tooth removal leads to a painful condition due to the occurrence of something called dry socket. In this article, we shall look at some of the best ways to minimize a patient’s chances of experiencing excessive pain due to dry sockets after the extraction of wisdom teeth. Before that, let us explain what dry socket is.

What is Dry Socket?

When a dentist removes a wisdom tooth, a hole (often referred to as a socket) is typically left in the jawbone. Being part of the healing process, a clot of blood is formed around the extraction site/hole to stop bleeding. Sometimes, the blood clot dissolves or becomes dislodged, exposing nerves and underlying bone to pain and bacterial contamination. If this happens, patients experience a complication known as alveolar osteitis or simply dry socket. This uncomfortable condition slows down the recovery process.

Dry socket affects about two to five percent of patients after wisdom teeth extraction. Several risk factors make an individual more likely to develop alveolar osteitis than an average patient. In the next section, we shall look at a few ways in which one can change their behavior to minimize the chances of developing the condition in question.

How to prevent dry socket during wisdom tooth extraction

Alveolar osteitis prevention is not too complicated if patients take really good care of the affected site. In a nutshell, below are some of the ways to prevent dry socket and keep the extraction site healthy and clean during the healing process:

• Do not smoke: Reports from reliable sources indicate that smokers are at a higher risk of developing alveolar osteitis than non-smokers. If you are a smoker, then avoid it altogether during wisdom teeth removal – at least for a few days. By doing do so, it gives the socket time to heal without being interfered with by harsh chemicals from the tobacco and smoke.
• Avoid straws: If you choose to satisfy your appetite for juices and other drinks, then do not use straws. Any suction around the extraction site will likely dislodge the blood clot.
• Food and beverages: Of course, you most likely would not feel like drinking or eating after wisdom teeth extraction. However, eventually, you will feel hungry! It is highly advisable that you consider eating soft foods and always chew on the sides, not near the extraction site. When it comes to drinking, avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary drinks, and instead drink plenty of water.
• Uphold oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean. One of the many factors that increases the chances of alveolar osteitis is oral hygiene. Often, dentists will advise patients on how to keep the extraction hole clean. It includes a gentle rising with a suitable mouthwash or salt water daily.

Of course, having proper rest and making regular follow up appointments is recommended, but those explained above are what you need to do to prevent dry socket. A wisdom tooth extraction can sometimes be nerve-racking, but if you follow instructions and recommendations from your dental doctor, then your healing process should be uneventful.

Valeri Smith has worked in the dental industry for 10 years. She joined the Chestermere Dental team as the social media manager in 2010 after relocating. Enjoying the friendly atmosphere at the office and getting to know each of her patients on a first name basis is something she really enjoys along with attending her teenage sons’ sporting events and family time.