Dry Socket

Dry socket, the most common post-operative complication from tooth extraction, delays the normal healing process and results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost.

 

The blood clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop over a two-month healing process. If the clot is disrupted, the bone in the extraction area is left exposed and susceptible to bacteria and response to hot and cold.

 

Exposed bone is very sensitive and must be covered as soon as possible, which can almost instantaneously reduce the discomfort the patient is having. If this happens to you, don't delay: see your dentist immediately.

 

Tips for preventing dry socket include:

 

• Avoid drinking through a straw because the suction will interfere with healthy clotting.
• Avoid smoking because it can contaminate the extraction site and also introduce suction to interfere with clotting.
• Avoid spitting and excessive mouth rinsing, which may interfere with blood clotting.
• Schedule extractions during the last week of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are inactive.