Can you avoid dry socket

Starokan

hi everyone

I had a tooth extracted about 3 years ago and subsequently suffered dry socket which was really really painful. My teeth are not in great condition due to not enough care in my younger years. I now regularly go for check ups etc and on my last my dentist told me that i need another tooth extracted.

We spoke about the previous extraction and he is of the opinion that the chances are high i will get dry socket again. So basically im just wondering has anyone any tips or ideas on anything i can do to possibly avoid this occurrence.

Any information anyone has would be great as im so not looking forward to revisiting that pain (even old wives tales are welcome )

peggie

if you smoke -stop, smoking will increase your chance of dry socket
if you have diabetes try to have it well controlled at the time of extraction

if you are having an extraction and you expect a dry socket have it at the start of the week so if you have difficulty the dentist is there for you

no rinsing and little chewing for 24 hours
(you want to leave the clot settle and not disturb it)

24 hours after extraction rinse with warm water mixed with a lot of salt 4/5 times over the day
(should taste rotten so not just a small sprinkle of salt)

have an appointment with your dentist then for say wed if you did extraction on monday (ie 2 days later) for a check and dress if necessary
(don't wait for the pain this time, usually dry socket presents on day 2)

also take pain relief while still numb and until your check with your dentist 2 days later (don't exceed what it says on the pack!!, but also don't wait til you have pain to take them)

above is just a suggestion as every case is different check with your own dentist to see if he/she would agree with this plan or alter it to suit you better- check re what pain relief as some may not be suitable for you.

best of luck, hope you don't get one this time
peg

Oral Surgeon

Well said Peggie,
Dry socket is certainly not nice op,

In addition to peggie;

Dry socket tends to happen to;
Women
Women on the pill
Smokers
Difficult extractions
When the dentist personally knows the patient (murphys law)

Step 1; sex change.....;)

Make sure that the tooth and mouth is clean prior to the extraction, rince with corsodyl 2 days prior to the extraction...
Stop smoking a week before and after the extraction, this reduces the risk but does not eliminate it (if you smoke)
The dentist should employ an atraumatic extraction technique, ie if it is a lower molar with big roots- it is kinder to the site to section the roots and remove them in pieces rather than expanding the bony socket with a forceps and causing ischaemia to the area....
Look after the area well, saline/ corsodyl rinses starting the next day

Antibiotics may prevent post op infections and dry socket but research is pretty hazy on this one...

Good luck op
OS

Starokan

thanks for the tips guys. With any luck ill avoid this time. Your answers are much appreciated

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Oral Surgeon wrote: »

When the dentist personally knows the patient (murphys law)

That is so true, or if its your nurses friend or relative,