Many people forego getting their wisdom teeth pulled due to fear of dry socket. Fortunately, this condition is extremely rare – only two to five percent of people who have their wisdom teeth pulled develop dry socket. But, it’s important to know what it is and how to prevent it from occurring.
Do you need your wisdom teeth removed? Schedule an appointment today.
With proactive steps and following your post-operative instructions from Dr. Tomlinson, your mouth will heal quickly after your wisdom teeth are removed. Discover more about dry socket and how to prevent it:
Dry Socket Details
When a tooth is extracted, there is an open wound in your mouth. To protect this wound, your body forms a blood clot to act as a bandage. This blood clot keeps particles and bacteria from getting into the wound and upsetting it. But, if the blood clot fails to develop or is dislodged accidentally, dry socket may occur. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent this painful condition.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
If you feel discomfort or experience swelling within the first 48 hours after your wisdom teeth removal procedure, don’t panic. That is completely normal! If you are experiencing an intense throbbing pain during the third or fourth day after surgery, it’s likely that the blood clot was dislodged. In addition to the throbbing pain, you will see an empty hole or white bone instead of a red blood clot. Other signs that you may have developed dry socket are ear pain, bad breath, or a foul taste in your mouth.
To prevent this condition, you want to avoid any activity that could dislodge or dissolve the blood clot. These activities include using a straw, exercising rigorously, swishing liquid in your mouth intensely, brushing your teeth vigorously, and smoking cigarettes.
If you are concerned about mouth pain or believe you have developed this dental condition, call the office at 706-549-5033.