Lady with sensitive pain from cavity

Tips To Prevent Dry Socket

When a tooth is extracted, you’ll first experience some swelling around the affected area, and a blood clot will begin to form over the affected area to heal the underlying bone and nerve. The blood clot needs to form adequately in order for your mouth to have healed. The blood clot can become dislodged, which causes a painful condition known as a dry socket, formally known as alveolar osteitis. A dislodged blood clot delays healing as well and it is important that you follow an aftercare plan to heal faster.

Tips To Prevent Dry Socket

To avoid experiencing a dry socket, following these four tips for optimal healing.

A man smoking cigarette

Avoid Smoking

Those who smoke are at a greater risk of developing dry socket after tooth extraction. The inhalation of smoke will disturb the blood clot. Also, the chemicals within tobacco can cause infection.

It is important that you only resume smoking gradually once the blood clot has formed. You may also want to consult your dentist for smoking alternatives. Read our post to learn how smoking can damage your teeth.

Avoid Solid Foods

After your surgery, alter your diet comprising of soft foods that won’t disturb the blood clot. Foods such as boiled vegetables, boiled potato, soup. As the blood clot begins to form, you may start eating your favourite foods.

Perform Oral Hygiene

It is important to never underestimate the importance of a strong oral routine. Keeping your mouth clean is an important step in your recovery to prevent infection or germs from developing near the blood clot. The dentist is likely to recommend that you brush your teeth gently for the first few days so the blood clot forms quickly.

Avoid Using Straws or Bottles

When using a straw, your cheek muscles will move inward, and this can dislodge the blood clot. The same goes for drinking out of a bottle.

 

Avoid Physical Activity

The dentist will recommend that you take a prolonged rest of up to two to three days after extraction treatment for faster healing. This means avoiding doing your household chores or any other responsibilities until you’ve fully healed, meaning the blood clot has formed. Continuing with your daily activities too soon is a risk to the blood clot.

The less movement of your jaw and cheek muscles, the better it is for your blood clot and recovery. Eventually, you will slowly begin to recover the movement of your mouth after two to three days. But it is important that you ensure the blood clot has formed first before resuming daily life.

If you’ve recently had extraction treatment and you’re seeking further support with your recovery, tell us! Alternatively, you can check yourself in with us at Garran Dental and we’d be happy to help.

Share: