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Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a dental condition that can occasionally occur after you have an adult permanent tooth extracted. It happens when, after removing a tooth, a blood clot either fails to form or becomes dislodged. Dry socket pain results from the exposed bone and nerves in the absence of the clot.
At the location of a tooth extraction, a blood clot (looks like a dark-colored scab) typically develops. This blood clot acts as a shield over the underlying bone and nerve ending in the vacant tooth socket and supports the structure for the formation of new bone and soft tissue over the clot.
Intense pain is caused by exposure of the underlying bone and nerves, which affects both the socket and the nerves that radiate to the side of the face. The socket may get irritated and fill with food particles, increasing the pain. The discomfort normally starts one to three days after the tooth is extracted if the patient has a dry socket.
The most frequent issue that arises after having teeth extractedis a dry socket. Dry socket pain cannot be managed solely with over-the-counter drugs. Patients can obtain treatment from their dentist or oral surgeon.
Symptoms
Dry socket symptoms and signs might include:
- The bone can be seen in the socket
- Severe pain shortly days after a tooth extraction
- Pain that travels from the extraction site to your ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side of your face
- Bad breath or mouth foul odor
- Partial or complete loss of the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction
- Foul taste
It’s common to have some pain and discomfort following a tooth extraction. Dentist or oral surgeon may have prescribed a painkiller and be able to manage normal pain with it. Over time, the pain should subside.
Contact the dentist or oral surgeon right away if the patient is experiencing any new or worsening discomfort in the days after the tooth extraction.
Causes
The exact reason for dry socket is unknown to experts. The following are some causes of dry socket.
- Trauma cause by complicated tooth extraction.
- Socket contamination from bacteria.
- Having bad oral hygiene might lead to bacterial infection.
Risk factors
The chances of developing dry socket may be affected by the following factors:
- Poor oral hygiene: Poor dental hygiene and neglect for home care instructions may raise the possibility of dry socket.
- Gum or tooth infection: The likelihood of a dry socket is increased by present or past infections close to the extracted tooth.
- History of dry socket: People are more prone to get dry socket after extraction if they have already experienced it.
- Tobacco use: Cigarettes and other tobacco products include chemicals that can contaminate the injured area and slow or hinder healing. Typically, the blood clot can be prematurely dislodged by sucking on a cigarette.
- Oral contraceptives: The chance of developing dry socket may rise due to high estrogen levels caused by oral contraceptives, which may interfere with natural healing processes.
Diagnosis
The dentists will suspect a dry socket if the patient has severe pain after a tooth extraction. They will perform the oral examination to check for exposed bone and blood clots in the tooth socket. The diagnosis can be confirmed by checking at the area where the tooth has been extracted.
To rule out other problems such a bone infection (osteomyelitis) or tiny fragments of root or bone that remained in the wound after surgery, patient might need to have X-rays of their mouth and teeth.
Treatment
In most circumstances, a dry socket will naturally heal, however visiting the dentist for treatment can help reduce discomfort more quickly.
The goal of dry socket treatment is to lessen symptoms, especially discomfort. Treatment for dry sockets could involve:
- Flushing out the socket: Any food scraps or other material that may cause to pain or a potential infection can be removed by flushing the socket.
- Medication dressings: The socket may be filled with medicated gel or paste and dressings by the dentist or oral surgeon. These may offer comparatively quick pain relief. Patient need for additional treatment or how frequently they should change their dressing will depend on how bad their pain and other symptoms are.
- Medication: Prescription painkillers are necessary and will be provided by the dentist. A dry socket can occasionally become infected and will be treated with antibiotics.
- Self-care: To encourage healing and get rid of debris when the dressing is taken off, patient need to flush the socket at home, with home instructions and a plastic syringe with a curved tip so you can spray salt water, water, or a prescription rinse into the socket until the socket no longer gathers excess.
Patients may get some pain relief shortly after treatment begins. Pain and other symptoms should be better and disappear in a few days. Keep planned appointments with the dentist or oral surgeon, though, so they can change the dressing and provide other care.
