How to Avoid Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction | Red Rocks Family Dentistry

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How to Avoid Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction?
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If youre having a tooth extracted, youll want
to take steps to avoid experiencing dry socket
afterward. Dry socket is a very painful condition
that can occur in the days following a dental
extraction. While its treatable, its much
easier to prevent the problem in the first place.


After a tooth extraction, a blood clot usually
forms over the tooth socket to help protect the
bone and nerves. In some cases, the clot isnt
formed or is dislodged. The bone and nerve in the
extraction area are exposed without a protective
blood clot, leading to pain and possible
infection.
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Dont Use Tobacco

Smoking creates suction, which can loosen the
blood clot. Smoking, as well as using chewing
tobacco, also slows healing. Be honest with your
dentist about your tobacco use. Ask about
nicotine patches if you plan to keep using
tobacco after your tooth extraction.
The following tips will help you avoid dry socket
after a tooth extraction
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You will need to be extra careful while eating
and drinking for several days after your
extraction. To minimize your chances of
developing a dry socket

Dont drink through a straw, which could dislodge
the clot.
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, and stick to
soft foods instead.
Dont chew on the side of your extraction.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
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Avoid alcohol or mouthwash containing alcohol for
at least 24 hours since they can delay healing
and make it more likely for the clot to become
dislodged.

Avoid Alcohol
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Dont rinse your mouth vigorously and be gentle
when brushing your teeth and tongue. Avoid
brushing near the extraction site for at least 24
hours.
Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene
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After a tooth extraction, you should avoid
strenuous physical activity and do your best to
rest during the first 24 hours. This brief time
of rest reduces bleeding and helps the blood clot
form.
Get Some Rest
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Certain birth control pills can make you more
prone dry socket, so your dentist may recommend
scheduling your extraction when youre getting
your lowest dose of estrogen. Other medications
can interfere with your bodys ability to form a
blood clot, so let your dentist know about any
prescriptions you take.
Tell Your Dentist About Your Medications
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Follow-up appointments allow your dentist to make
sure the extraction site is healing as it should.
It is important to attend these visits to allow
your dentist to address any problems as soon as
possible.
Attend Your Follow-Up Visits
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Its important to notify your dentist immediately
if you have signs of dry socket. Signs of dry
socket include persistent pain that isnt
relieved by over-the-counter pain medication. You
may also be able to see a dry socket with a
missing or partially missing blood clot or if you
are able to see bone. If you have dry socket,
your dentist may treat it by rinsing out the
socket, applying medication, and prescribing pain
medicine.
Keep in Touch With Your Dentist
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Although dry socket is treatable, your healing
process after a tooth extraction will be much
more comfortable if you can avoid this issue.
Putting these tips into practice will help lower
your risk of getting a dry socket. This allows
your extraction site to heal as quickly,
comfortably, and easily as possible. The post How
to Avoid Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction
first appeared on Dental Bridges.
You Can Avoid Dry Socket
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