What happens if you dont treat dry socket

Dry socket occurs when you’re healing after a tooth extraction. One of the early steps in the healing process is the formation of a blood clot that protects the empty tooth socket (almost like a scab that forms on the skin after a cut). Dry socket occurs when this blood clot either dissolves or becomes dislodged, exposing the tissue and sensitive nerves underneath.

Dry socket usually occurs within 3-5 days of an extraction and more commonly in the lower jaw. Symptoms include severe pain, a throbbing sensation, an unpleasant taste, a fever, or swollen glands. It can last for up to 7 days.

By following your dentist’s instructions carefully, dry socket can usually be prevented. But if you notice any of the signs above, schedule an appointment right away. The earlier you get treatment, the better.

Preventing Dry Socket

• Again, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions exactly.
• Keep the area clean, but do so very gently and carefully. This includes brushing around the extraction site twice a day, making sure not to get the bristles directly into the socket. Also, rinse out your mouth with salt water 3-4 times each day, making sure that you don’t swish vigorously.
• Your dentist may also give you a syringe to gently flush the extraction site directly.
• Don’t use a straw or smoke, both of which can dislodge the blood clot.
• Don’t drink anything carbonated or eat hard or crunchy foods.

Treatment For Dry Socket

A dentist can do the following to relieve your pain, prevent infection, and promote healing if dry socket develops:

• First, they’ll thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.
• Then they’ll place a medicated dressing in the socket.
• They’ll also discuss pain medication as needed, which could be an over-the-counter option or a prescription.
• In many cases, you’ll need to return in 7-10 days to make sure the area is healing well.

The risk of developing dry socket is low, especially when you follow the guidelines above. On the off chance that it does develop, a dentist has effective ways to relieve your pain and help the area heal properly.

About the Author

With nearly 30 years of experience as a family dentist, Dr. Christopher J. Holland has performed countless wisdom teeth extractions. With a dedication to ongoing education and clinical excellence, he provides every patient with outstanding care before, during, and after extraction procedures. If you have any other questions about dry socket, you can reach Dr. Holland via his website.

When a tooth is pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The word ‘socket’ refers to the hole in the jawbone where the tooth used to be. This blood clot protects the bone and nerve.

If the blood clot is dislodged or does not form well, the bone and nerve are left exposed. This causes extreme pain and can lead to infection.

If you have dry socket, you will need to return to your dentist or oral surgeon.

What are the symptoms of dry socket?

It is normal to feel sore or uncomfortable after having a tooth removed. But the pain with dry socket can be intense. It may start a few days after the extraction. If you have dry socket you may have:

• severe persistent, throbbing pain within 2 to 4 days of the tooth extraction — the pain may extend to your ear or eye on the same side of the face
• bad breath
• a slight fever
• an unpleasant taste in your mouth

You may be able to see the dry socket – there will be exposed bone instead of a dark blood clot.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the teeth and dental problems Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What are the causes of dry socket?

Dry socket may be caused by a range of factors, such as an underlying infection in the mouth, trauma from the tooth extraction or problems with the jawbone.

The condition occurs more often with wisdom teeth in the lower jaw than with other teeth. You are also more likely than others to develop dry socket if you:

• smoke
• previously had dry socket
• had a difficult tooth extraction
• use oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• do not have good dental hygiene
• have had a tooth extracted from the lower jaw, especially a wisdom or molar tooth

How is dry socket diagnosed?

If you have severe pain after a tooth extraction, see your dentist or oral surgeon. They will talk to you and examine you. You may need an x-ray to rule out other conditions such as osteomyelitis (a bone infection).

How is dry socket treated?

If you develop dry socket, your dentist or oral surgeon may:

• flush out any food particles stuck in the socket
• put a medicated dressing in the socket

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication. They may ask you to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash or salt water at home. The condition should improve quickly after treatment.

Can dry socket be prevented?

To prevent dry socket after a tooth extraction, follow your dentist’s instructions including how to clean your mouth.

Do not suck through a straw after a tooth extraction, and take care when you rinse and spit, as these can cause the blood clot to dislodge.

It is best not to smoke, as this can reduce blood flow to the mouth and prevent a blood clot from forming.

How long can dry socket be left untreated?

Can a dry socket heal on its own?

Can you ignore dry socket?

Can dry socket cause permanent damage?