How to Prevent Dry Socket After an Extraction

Extractions are a relatively standard dental procedure that most people end up needing at some point in their lives. When your last molars or wisdom teeth start to erupt, many people find themselves visiting their dentist in Woodbridge because of extreme pain, wisdom teeth cavities nestled behind the bone, or changes in their tooth alignment. When you have an extraction performed by your family dentist in Woodbridge, you will receive guidance on instructions you must follow to enable healthy healing. One problem these instructions are designed to avoid is dry sockets. While it's not very common, it's important to mitigate. At Mackenzie Dental Centre, Dr. Lloyd Pedvis, a leading dentist in Woodbridge, and our team of skilled professionals will guide you through your extraction with care and knowledge. 

To learn more about how to prevent dry sockets after a dental extraction, read on.

What is a Dry Socket?

While it is very unlikely, a dry socket can occur after an extraction, leaving a hole in the area of the jaw bone where the tooth used to be. If healing does not occur, complications like infection can follow. After a tooth is removed for any reason, it's essential that a blood clot form in the areas to protect the bone and nerve endings that have been exposed following the procedure. 

How to Prevent Dry Sockets

One of the main causes of dry sockets is suction, which dislodges blood clots and prevents healing in the area of the extraction. 

Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products

Smoking and the use of tobacco products can significantly increase the risk of dry sockets. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which hinders proper healing. To prevent dry sockets, it's essential to stop smoking and using any form of tobacco or cannabis during your recovery period.

Eat Soft Food

For a few days after the extraction, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods to prevent any damage to the extraction site. Consider foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to ensure proper nutrition without risking complications. Dentists in Woodbridge recommend avoiding nuts, seeds, and gummy candies.

Avoid Straws and Sucking

Sucking on straws or making any forceful sucking movements can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a dry socket. If you need to drink liquids, sip them directly from a cup or glass. 

Stay Hydrated

While you should avoid excessive consumption of hot or cold beverages immediately after the extraction, it's crucial to stay adequately hydrated. Dehydration can impede the healing process. Opt for room-temperature water and small, frequent sips.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can interfere with blood clotting and should be avoided during recovery. It can also interact negatively with pain medications and antibiotics, so it's best to steer clear until you've fully healed.

What to Do If You Have Dry Socket

After your extraction, the dry socket will present with intense throbbing pain a few days after the procedure. You may also experience persistent bad breath and fever. If you think that you have a dry socket, contact your dentist. After an extraction, your dentist may schedule a follow-up to ensure that you're healing effectively. For wisdom tooth removal and high-quality dental care, book a visit at our leading dental clinic in Vaughan.

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