You have just had a tooth extraction, and your socket does not feel normal as you expected; why is that so? Well, if any complication occurs after tooth extraction on the site, it is most probably dry socket formation. Let’s delve further into this.
What Causes A Dry Socket To Form?
Before we start talking about dry sockets, let’s first see what a normal socket is like after tooth extraction.
Right after D-day, your blood will start forming a clot in the socket. It is normal and needed for healing. This blood clot helps protect the bone and sensitive nerves underneath. With time, it dissolves and is replaced by new tissue and bone, marking an end to the healing stage.
So, what is a dry socket? It occurs when the blood clot accidentally detaches or dissolves before the site of extraction has any chance to heal fully.
This leaves your inner sensitive area comprising of bones and nerves exposed, which is quite painful.
Reasons for Dry Socket Development
- Smoking
- Sucking action using straws
- Not following proper aftercare instructions
- Absence of adequate oral hygiene regime, rinsing with salt water
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods
- Trauma during the tooth extraction
Can A Dry Socket Heal Itself?
Will a dry socket heal on its own? Yes, usually, a dry socket will heal on its own.
Home Remedies to Treat Dry Socket
You must seek a dentist for prompt treatment before the throbbing starts to take a toll on you. Meanwhile, there are some home remedies you can try to alleviate dry socket pain.
Salt Water Rinse
All hail this holy grail for oral cavity. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water solution helps not only clean the socket properly, also promote healing.
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and dissolve. Take a gulp and swish it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out.
Clove Oil
A wondrous product present in clove buds. It has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to relieve pain and lessen swelling. Simply dip a cotton swab to a small amount of clove oil and press it directly to your socket. Do not forget to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, like olive before using it.
Ice Pack
If you cannot find anything soothing, resort to a good old ice pack. The cold pouch greatly minimizes swelling and numbs the area, aiding temporary pain relief.
OTC (Over-the-Counter) Pain Medication
OTC painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, relieve pain to a great extent. Follow the instructions on the label and only take the recommended dosage.
Normal Vs. A Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction
Listing down what a normal socket after tooth extraction feels like:
- Pain is getting better with the passage of time.
- Blood clot/scab retains its place in the area where the tooth used to be.
- No appearance of bone sticking out.
- There is no trace of blood in the mouth.
- The mouth does not taste metallic or salty.
- No sign of halitosis – bad mouth odor.
What Does A Dry Socket Feel Like?
- Sharp throbbing pain that occurs in episodes, gets better then worsens.
- Blood clot dislocation due to suction action.
- White-colored bone peeking its way from the jaw area.
- Bad/ salty taste in mouth.
- Stinky breath.
Closing Note
You must be very careful to not let dry socket form on your tooth extraction site as it can prolong healing time and recovery. Talk to dental care experts from Smile Artisans, located at 18121 Tuckerton Road, Suite 140, Cypress, TX 77433 – dial (832) 220-6087 to connect with us.