Dry Socket is More Painful Than a Tooth Extraction: Here’s How to Prevent It

Maybe you needed a wisdom tooth pulled, or a tooth got damaged in an accident and needed to be extracted. Whatever the case may be, having the tooth removed can be a relatively minor procedure. You’ll need to rest for 48 hours afterward, but it shouldn’t cause any long-term issues. 

It also shouldn’t be overly uncomfortable. Your dentist uses local anesthetic during the extraction and sends you home with medication to keep any discomfort under control.

But if you happen to develop dry socket, everything changes. Dry socket is generally more painful than a tooth extraction, so it’s a complication you definitely want to avoid. 

Fortunately, we can help. As experts in tooth extractions, Dr. Sujay Trivedi, Dr. Michael Westcott, and our team have extensive experience working with patients to minimize their risk of dry socket complications. We give you personalized care tips after any extraction here at Family Dental Care in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

That said, we also want to provide a general outline so anyone can know how to steer clear of this painful complication. Knowing how to avoid dry socket starts with understanding how it develops. 

Understanding dry socket

Dry socket develops when something goes wrong with the blood clot that’s supposed to form at the tooth extraction site. That clot doesn’t just stop your bleeding. It also contains cells that help your mouth heal. Plus, it provides a layer of protection for the sensitive nerve endings and bone in your now-empty socket. 

When you get a dry socket, that blood clot comes out, dissolves too quickly, or never forms in the first place. 

This leaves your jawbone and nerves exposed, contributing to the intense pain many people experience. You might even feel that pain radiating through the side of your face to your ear or eye. 

The pain associated with dry socket usually starts one to three days after a tooth extraction. That’s why, if you start noticing more discomfort after your procedure, contact our team so we can get you treatment to ease your pain as quickly as possible. 

Dry socket prevention tips

Preventing dry socket starts well before your tooth extraction. Going into the procedure with excess bacteria in your mouth makes you more likely to get a dry socket. Be diligent about your brushing and flossing in the weeks that lead up to your appointment. 

Also, tell Dr. Westcott or Dr. Trivedi about any medication and supplements you take, including birth control. These can impact how your blood clots, so it’s important to discuss them with us before your tooth extraction.

Once the tooth is out, it’s critical that you don’t smoke or use any tobacco products until your socket is healed. Plan to take it easy for two days afterward, and choose soft foods and drinks that aren’t overly hot or cold. 

Diligently follow Dr. Trivedi or Dr. Westcott’s instructions about how to clean your mouth. Usually, this means gently brushing your teeth except for around the socket, and rinsing with a warm salt water solution. When you swish that in your mouth, be gentle. Vigorous swishing can dislodge your blood clot. 

Finally, avoid straws for a week after your extraction. Sucking can cause the clot to come loose. 

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to avoid a dry socket. For more information — or to schedule a tooth extraction with an experienced team who can help you minimize this risk — call us at Family Dental Care at 561-556-1698 today, or use our online booking tool to schedule a visit at your convenience.