Tooth Extractions

How to prevent dry socket after tooth extraction

After getting a tooth extracted, a blood clot forms in your mouth to start the healing process. However, if this clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has fully healed, it can cause a painful condition called dry socket. Here are six tips to avoid dry sockets:

1. Avoid using straws or anything that creates suction in your mouth.

2. Do not smoke tobacco, as fast inhalation can dislodge the clot, and the chemicals in tobacco can prevent healing or cause an infection.

3. Eat only soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first one or two days after the surgery.

4. Discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist to ensure they won’t affect the healing process.

5. Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean, and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash.

6. Follow your dentist’s instructions on proper oral care to speed up the recovery process.

When and why are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that develop in the back of the mouth. They typically begin to emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood. These teeth are usually removed because they tend to grow at an angle that can cause crowding and interfere with other teeth. Additionally, there is often not enough space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to grow properly. As a result, around 85% of adults have their wisdom teeth removed.

What causes the need for tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Teeth extraction usually occurs when a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay and there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired by a filling or crown.

However, there are other reasons for tooth extraction including, extra teeth growing in that are blocking others, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out in time for the permanent teeth to come in, braces, wisdom teeth that are commonly removed or medical reasons.