Information in relation to a dry socket
Dry Socket (alveolar osteitis) is one of the most common complications of tooth removal. It occurs when a blood clot fails to develop in the tooth socket, or if the blood clot becomes dislodged or disappears. This can happen three to five days after surgery.
The empty socket causes an ache or throbbing pain in your gum or jaw, which can be intense. There may be an unpleasant smell or taste from the empty tooth socket. If you look into the socket, you might be able to see exposed bone rather than a blood clot.
You are more at risk of developing dry socket if: –
-You don’t follow your dentists instructions after the extractions.
-You smoke
-You have had the condition before.
-You are over 25 years old
-The extraction was complicated
- You are on the Oral contraceptive pill
Contact your dentist or surgeon if you suspect you have a dry socket. They can flush any debris out
of the socket or cover it with a medicated dressing, which may be removed and replaced frequently
until it heals. Sometimes an antibiotic and/or analgesic may be needed. Dry socket can take several
weeks to heal fully, and occasional sharp pieces of diseased bone may shed into the mouth during
healing.