Having a tooth extracted isn’t exactly fun, but the real trouble starts if you get dry socket. While it sounds like a minor annoyance, it can actually be an excruciating problem. Dry socket is a condition that happens when the blood clot protecting your extraction site gets dislodged or doesn’t form properly. Without it, the nerves beneath your jawbone are left exposed, causing serious discomfort. Continue reading to walk through the dos and don’ts and protect your smile after tooth extraction.
Don’t Touch Your Extraction Site
While it’s tempting to check out the empty spot in your mouth with your finger or tongue—don’t. Whether it’s curiosity or concern, avoid touching or playing with the area because even gentle prodding can loosen the clot or cause it to dislodge entirely.
Do Avoid Suction
After your extraction, your dentist will tell you to avoid anything that involves suction. That includes drinking through straws, spitting out gum or water after rinsing, and smoking or vaping. Suction can dislodge the blood clot, which is the last thing you want. Plan ahead and skip the straw for a few days.
Don’t Ignore Your Diet
Hot, crunchy, or spicy foods can irritate your healing extraction site and raise your risk of dry socket. For the first few days, stock up on foods like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Lukewarm soups
In addition, it’s best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and eat slowly until your gums heal. This helps prevent complications and keeps your recovery on track.
Do Follow Aftercare Instructions
You’ll probably get a take-home sheet with instructions. If so, read it carefully and follow it to the best of your ability. This usually includes:
- Gently rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours
- Taking pain relievers as directed
- Keeping your head elevated while resting
- Eating soft foods for a few days
These seem like simple steps, but each one is a building block of your recovery plan. If you ignore too many of them, dry socket is one potential result.
When to Call Your Dentist
A little discomfort after a tooth extraction is normal, and generally manageable with generic pain medication. However, if your pain gets worse after the first few days, or suddenly spikes, it might indicate a dry socket.
Other signs include a bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, or seeing bone where the clot should be. If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait. Call your dentist for emergency treatment.
Dry socket can be painful, but with a little care, it’s largely preventable. Follow the tips above and don’t rush your recovery. When in doubt, reach out to your dentist for guidance. With a good plan going forward, you can keep your discomfort down and hold out until your smile heals.
About the Practice
At EMA Dental of Westfield, our expert team of knowledgeable dentists is committed to helping you heal quickly and comfortably after necessary care. We take every precaution during procedures like tooth extractions to minimize your risk. Afterward, we’ll also provide clear, personalized aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery. Call (413) 568-1698 to schedule an emergency appointment with us or visit our website to see a full menu of other services.