If you stop by Breeze Dental to get your oral health needs addressed, Dr. Julia Hill will always try to save your permanent teeth and avoid extraction.
But sometimes, a tooth can be so damaged that there is no other choice.
A tooth extraction is a fairly straightforward procedure, though it does require a bit of care at home to avoid a painful complication known as a "dry socket."
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms right after a tooth extraction is dislodged. When a tooth is pulled from its socket, the body naturally tries to protect the nerves and sensitive tissues by forming a blood clot to cover them.
If the clot is dislodged, it can lead to high levels of pain as well as seriously delay your healing timeline. Luckily, a dry socket is a rare complication and can easily be avoided with a few minor adjustments:
Crunchy and hard foods like chips, nuts, or crackers aren’t recommended the first few days after an extraction. Such particles can travel by accident and dislodge the blood clot, leading to a dry socket.
Instead, opt for soft foods such as:
When you do any of these actions, you’re creating a suction motion with your mouth, which could lead to a dry socket.
But smoking will also delay healing, which can increase your risk for complications.
Working out can increase your blood pressure, which in turn might lead to bleeding and dry sockets. After your procedure, the dentist will recommend going home to rest.
But you should skip the gym for the first 2–3 days after your extraction and avoid strenuous activity at work as well. You can ease back into it later on, but monitor your body’s response and stop if you feel any unwanted side effects like bleeding or dizziness.
You should continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual after tooth extraction; just don’t brush directly over the extraction site.
You can use gentle mouthwash or saline water to cleanse the site and the rest of your mouth. Instead of spitting, open your mouth and allow the liquid to pour into the sink.
Avoid touching the clot with a toothbrush or other objects, such as food, your finger, or even your tongue.
Dr. Julia Hill can provide more personalized tips on how to support your healing after tooth extraction.
Schedule an appointment at Breeze Dental online or stop by to access compassionate and professional oral health services designed to protect your smile.
For more information, call us at (380) 228-2770.
