Dry Socket
Dry Socket is a problem that can occur after a tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot can form in the hole in the bone where the tooth is located (the socket).
Well, this disorder occurs when a blood clot breaks loose or does not form at all. Without a blood clot, the bone and nerves are directly exposed to the surrounding area of the mouth. This problem can cause pain and delay healing in the surgical area.
Dry Socket Symptoms
If you look at the place where the tooth was pulled and the hole looks dry, you may have dry socket. Normally, a dark blood clot would form, but there is only white from the bone.
In addition, pain can also be felt starting about 2 days after the tooth is pulled. Over time this problem becomes worse and even spreads to the ear. Other symptoms that can occur together are bad breath and discomfort in the mouth.
Causes of Dry Socket
Dry Socket can develop after a tooth is pulled, and a blood clot does not form afterwards. It is not yet known for certain how to prevent the formation of this blood clot. Some of the suspected causes of this problem are bacterial contamination, the effects of food consumed, and other things that enter the mouth.
Dry Socket Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing dry socket, namely:
- Smoking habit: The chemicals in cigarettes can prevent or slow wound healing and even contaminate it.
- Oral contraceptives: The high levels of estrogen from these contraceptives can interfere with the normal healing process and increase the risk of dry socket.
- Improper care: Not following the doctor’s instructions for oral care and hygiene can also increase the risk.
- Having a tooth or gum infection: An infection that occurs in the mouth or around the extracted tooth can also increase the risk of dry socket.
Dry Socket Diagnosis
Dentists generally suspect that someone has this problem because they experience severe pain after tooth extraction. The diagnosis to confirm it is done by looking at the place where the tooth was extracted. In some cases, the dentist also performs an X-ray to ensure that no tooth fragments are left behind.
Dry Socket Complications
A dry socket is relatively rare to cause infection or serious complications. However, there are some complications that can occur, including delayed healing or infection in the socket, to the development of chronic bone infection (osteomyelitis).
Dry Socket Treatment
A person experiencing this problem needs to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. This is useful for relieving discomfort. If these drugs are not enough to overcome the pain, a doctor can prescribe stronger ones.
The dentist will clean the tooth socket, remove debris from the hole, and fill the socket with a medicated dressing or special paste to speed healing. You will need to return to the dentist’s office every few days to have the dressing changed until the pain subsides.
In addition, a prescription for antibiotics to prevent infection is also needed. For treatment of this problem, the dentist may recommend gargling with salt water or mouthwash every day.
Dry Socket Prevention
There are several ways that can be done to prevent this problem, namely:
- Look for a dentist who is experienced in tooth extraction procedures.
- It’s a good idea to stop smoking before the procedure is carried out.
- Talk to your dentist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you take every day, as they can interfere with blood clotting.
When to See a Doctor?
Feelings of pain and discomfort are normal after a tooth extraction. However, if the pain worsens in the days following the tooth extraction, see a dentist immediately for treatment, especially if it is caused by an infection.
