Dry socket is one of the most common complications patients can experience after a tooth pulled or extracted. The socket of the tooth, or the hole in the bone where the tooth was removed, fills with a blood clot after a tooth is pulled in order to protect the bone and the nerves under the socket. Sometimes, the clot becomes dislodged or dissolves. This leaves the bone and nerve exposed to things such as air, food and fluid.
Dry socket can lead to infection and severe pain that can last for up to a week after the dental procedure. Only a small percentage of people (less than 5%) develop dry socket after having a tooth pulled or extracted. People that are most susceptible to developing dry socket include:
- people who smoke
- people who have poor oral hygiene
- those who have wisdom teeth pulled
- patients who have greater-than-usual trauma during the extraction surgery
- woman use birth control pills
- those who have a history of dry socket
Dry socket is normally treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. In particularly painful situations, a doctor may prescribe a stronger drug or will anesthetize the area.
Have more questions about dry socket? Contact the professionals at DentaLux today!
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