Preventing Dry Socket: Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Dry socket is a dental condition that may happen if a patient does not do the required tooth extraction aftercare. Usually, if the blood clot is removed off the healing gums, complications start to arise. There are plenty of signs that will tell you if you have a tooth extraction infection. Notable symptoms include the following: 

Symptoms of dry socket

  • Severe pain. Although discomfort just a few days after the tooth removal is normal, it should not be severe. Furthermore, it should not radiate to the rest of your face and neck. Typically, it is bearable and may be alleviated with home remedies or a minimal dosage of medication. When these initial tooth extraction aftercare do not work, immediately inform your dentist. 
  • Loss of blood clot. Just like any wound, the socket will form a blood clot after the procedure. This is a natural process of the body to protect the underlying bone and nerves in the hole. If the clot dislodges before the gum completely heals, there’s a risk of tooth extraction infection.
  • Bone exposure. If you could notice the bone appearing from the socket, that’s a bad sign for you. This means that the protective blood clot is missing and it’s exposing your gums to disease. If this is the case, you need to see your dentist for urgent treatment. 
  • Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. These indications are common and are easily dealt with tooth extraction aftercare. Especially if the affected site continues to bleed, the blood will contribute to the unpleasant odor and taste. However, if after doing proper oral hygiene the foul taste and odor persists, beware. You might need your dentist to check on it, especially if the other dry socket signs are present as well.

Tooth extraction aftercare

Patients having their tooth extraction in Markham Ontario will get a discourse for proper post-operation aftercare. This helps them ensure that when they go home, their healing gums are free from risks of complications. Here are a few yet significant tips to remember in keeping the extraction site clean and safe from tooth extraction infection:  

  • Once you regain your appetite for food, consider starting on soft diet first. You could go for porridge, soup or smoothies for the meantime while your gums are still on recovery.
  • Stop smoking as it will surely harm your healing gums and it is a primary cause of dry socket. 
  • Keep yourself hydrated with water and clean the site properly with gentle oral hygiene practices
  • Take ample rest and allow your gums to heal faster in just a few days.