Dry socket is a teeth related condition that is found post operation in approximately two percent to 5 % cases of teeth extraction. What occurs is that after the tooth removal, the blood clot usually formed to protect the visible bone and nerve endings doesn’t form. This leaves the nerves and bones vulnerable to the effects of air, fluids and food leading to severe pain, spreading to the person’s face on the side of the tooth extraction. The issue affects mostly the molar and the wisdom teeth.

Care

Prevention as treatment

There is in essence no possible treatment for dry socket symptoms as it that occurs and later disappears all by itself. The goal of the medical treatment is stopping and reducing of the pain.

Among males, ones who use tobacco in any form are more vulnerable to this condition. Smoking reduces the oxygen percentage in the blood stream and impairs the body’s natural ability to repair. Smokers are therefore encouraged to avoid smoking for some days prior to and after the surgery. Also the sucking activity may displace the blood clot from the extraction site.

In women, the use of contraceptive pills increases the risk of dry sockets. High levels of estrogen that are linked with birth control tablets dilute the blood and hinders blood clotting. Women are therefore cautioned to avoid taking the birth control tablets for at least a week before and after the procedure. Otherwise they should get their tooth extracted during the final week of the menstrual cycle.

Dealing with The Pain

Analgesics are the chief medications for diminishing the pain levels. The typical method is to keep the patient on anesthetics and anti inflammatory medicines for ten to 15 days after the surgery. To stop the contamination from growing or worsening, dentists advise antiseptics and in critical conditions antibiotics are advised.

Medicated dressings are the main prescription for dry sockets. The inflamed area is carefully sprayed by saline and then a antiinfective dressing is put in the socket. The dressing soothes the area, lessens the pain and promotes the formation of newer tissues.