Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a painful and irritating condition that is experienced as a result of having a permanent tooth extracted. The condition develops when a blood clot fails to develop in an open wound, or if it has been dislodged or dissolved, leaving an open wound exposed before it has had the chance to heal. Without protective layers, this open wound exposes sensitive nerves and even bone to external substances, causing a great deal of pain in and along the jawline.
What is Dry Socket?
Alveolar osteitis occurs when a permanent tooth is extracted, leaving a hole in the jawline that normally responds by producing a blood clot and other protective substances that speed up healing and protect this delicate area of the mouth. When a clot fails to develop, or if it dissolves or dislodges before the wound has had a chance to heal completely, this causes the bone and exposed nerve to become irritated due to external stimulation. The painful sensitivity that occurs is known as dry socket.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Socket?
You'll know if you are experiencing dry socket if you have any of the following symptoms:
• Severe pain in the mouth and jaw within a few days of extraction
• Total or partial loss of blood or blood clot at an extraction site
• Visible exposed bone within the socket
• Pain that radiates along the jawline up to the eye, temple, or neck
• Unpleasant taste, bad breath, or foul odour coming from the mouth
If you have any of these symptoms, seek the care of the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, located in Ottawa, to determine whether you are experiencing dry socket.
What Causes Dry Sockets?
It is believed that excess trauma or the onset of a bacterial infection after extraction are all factors that contribute to the development of dry socket. Certain behaviours and other factors can also contribute to its development, including:
• Smoking and tobacco use, which further irritate the surgical site
• Drinking through a straw, as it can dislodge a blood clot and other protective tissues
• Oral contraceptives: excess estrogen slows healing and contributes to dry socket
• Prior history of dry socket
• Tooth or gum infections around the extraction site
How do you Treat Dry Socket?
If it is determined that you are suffering from dry socket, your dentist will thoroughly clean the affected area, removing food and other debris that could be causing irritation. In addition, the area may be packed with medical gauze and numbing gel to form a protective layer while the wound continues to heal. Detailed instructions will be given to you as to when and how to remove the protective barrier once sufficient healing time has taken place.
Your dentist may also prescribe a salt water or medicated rinse to keep the affected area clean and free of debris; rinse according to their directions for best results. Over the counter pain medications will be helpful in managing pain while you are healing. Follow your dentist's directions for all pain medication.
How do You Prevent Dry Socket from Occurring?
Discuss any over the counter and prescription medications that you are currently taking with your care provider, as some of these medications can inhibit the development of blood clots. Talk about options for treatment with your doctor that will allow you to heal correctly and without incidents that may be caused by medications.
Limit smoking and drinking liquids through straws. The actions of sucking can potentially dislodge blood clots that have formed as part of the healing process; it is important that these remain in place to ensure that you are healing correctly. Do what you can to minimize or eliminate these actions altogether while you are recovering.
If you find yourself with painful dry socket, there is help available, and there are things you can do to minimize your risk of developing one. The Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa can assist you in finding ways to manage your pain and discomfort while healing properly. Following treatment and recovery protocols and doing what you can to improve your dental health before, during, and after your procedure will ensure that you heal as you should. Contact our Dental Centre in Ottawa today for more information on dry socket recovery and treatment. Here's to your continued oral health and wellness!
