After wisdom teeth removal, some people experience pain, a condition called dry socket. The painful sensation can stay for longer and lead to complications. Therefore, it delays healing and makes you uncomfortable. However, the condition is treatable.
Dry socket is the dislodging of the blood clot that helps to heal the nerve endings and bone after teeth removal. The blood clot develops where the tooth has been removed to fasten healing. However, it’s preventable, and you can avoid it to prevent complications.
The soaring pain after wisdom teeth removal can affect your day’s routine. The signs of a dry socket include;
Some individuals are more at risk of developing dry socket after wisdom teeth removal than others. You’re likely to develop dry socket if you;
There are several ways to prevent dry socket;
Cigarette chemicals can lead to slow healing or even cause infections after tooth removal. In addition, inhaling the smoke can dislodge the blood clot intended to heal your socket. Hence, for quick healing, you should avoid smoking for at least two weeks after wisdom teeth removal. You can keep yourself busy by doing the activities you like to avoid tobacco.
Dry foods such as peas, dried beans, rice, and dried fruits can get stuck in the socket and dislodge the blood clot. Hence, you should eat soft foods, such as soft muffins, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and cereals that soften in milk.
Sucking drinks using a straw can dislodge the blood clot. Thus, you should avoid using a straw for at least seven days after wisdom teeth extraction. Instead, you can use a spoon of straw until your sockets heal.
Spitting requires you to use force when drawing saliva from the mouth. This force can dislodge the blood clot and slow your healing. That’s why dentists discourage you from spitting for at least a day after wisdom teeth removal.
Irritation in the socket as you move your brush can pull out the blood clot. Hence, avoid brushing the socket after teeth removal for several days to allow healing. However, you should maintain proper oral hygiene by using prescribed antibacterial mouthwash to prevent infections.
Treating a dry socket helps to relieve pain. The dentist can recommend several ways to treat dry socket;
Dry sockets can be uncomfortable, but it’s treatable. Hence, you should avoid tobacco, spitting, hard foods, and overall bad dental hygiene habits after tooth extraction to prevent dry socket.