Nowadays, tooth extractions are simple and routine procedures that only take a few minutes to be completed. With the help of an anesthetic and a gentle hand, you will not feel more than a bit of pressure. But, aftercare for tooth extraction is crucial. If you are not careful enough, you may experience a painful condition called a dry socket.
Here's what it is and how to avoid it.
What Is a Dry Socket?
After a tooth has been removed, a blood clot will develop over the extraction site. The purpose of the blood clot is to protect the nerves and bones underneath and promote the formation of new tissue.
If the blood clot gets dislodged, then you will experience the painful condition known as dry socket. Not only that it's painful, but a dry socket will also affect the healing process.
How to Avoid a Dry Socket
Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid the formation of a dry socket.
- Don't Smoke for at Least 48 Hours After Tooth Extraction
People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing dry socket. This happens because of the act of inhaling the smoke quickly, which can dislodge the blood clot. Moreover, the smoke can also affect the healing process and lengthen it.
It's best to avoid smoking for a few days before the procedure and stop smoking completely for at least 48 hours after the extraction.
- Don't Drink with a Straw
The suction movement of drinking through a straw can push and dislodge the blood clot. Avoid drinking through a straw for about a week after the extraction.
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is one of the best ways of keeping bacteria at bay and preventing dry socket. However, vigorously brushing the extraction site is not recommended as the movement can dislodge the blood clot.
Your Fremont dentist will properly instruct you to just rinse your mouth with water on the first day following the extraction and then brush with a special toothbrush using gentle motions.
- Avoid Hard Foods
Stick to a soft foods diet in the first few days after an extraction. Not only that chewing hard foods can dislodge the blood clot, but food particles could also get stuck in the extraction site, ferment, and get infected.
- Don't Rinse Too Hard
Be careful when you are rinsing your mouth and try not to do it too hard. Doing it too hard could move the blood clot, increasing the risk of dry socket. Also, ask your dentist about the type of mouthwash you can use after tooth extraction.
Are You Looking for Friendly Dental Care in Fremont?
Whether it's tooth extraction, preventive care, or restorative dentistry, at Fremont Family Dentistry, our team of friendly dentists will make sure that you are in the best hands.
Contact us right now to book your appointment in Fremont.