The story of Dry Socket

"Ouch ouch ouch! My mouth hurt!" cries Mr T to his wife. "I thought you just had your tooth extracted 3 days ago? Why does it still hurt?" asked his wife. Have you ever encounter this painful condition despite removal of the cranky tooth? Worst still the pain intensifies a hundred fold?

This infamous condition is known as dry socket. Usually after tooth extraction a blood clot forms to protect the underlying bone and nerve endings in the empty tooth socket. The clot serves as a foundation for the growth of new bone and aids in the healing of the tissues and wound. When the clot dislodges from the extraction site, or dissolves or even fail to develop before the wound heal,excruciating pain results. Sometimes, this pain radiates to sides of the face.

Dry socket

"Hi Doc, I'm having terrible pain at the extracted tooth area since 3 days ago. I think the site has swollen and there's bad breath too. I can't eat and sleep well for the past few days." explained Mr T to his dentist. " I think you are having Dry Socket" said the dentist after inspecting the site of extraction.

Signs & Symptoms of Dry socket:

• Severe pain beginning 1-3 days after a tooth extraction
• Empty-looking (dry) socket as no blood clot noted
• Visible bone in the tooth socket
• Pain that radiates from the socket to the same side of face as the extraction
• Foul odour /Bad breath

Empty looking socket with bone exposed

Risks of dry socket:

• Smokers
• Failure to excercise proper at-home care
• Poor oral hygiene
• History of dry socket in previous extraction
• Current or previous tooth or gum infection

Treatment of dry socket:

• Dental care: Debridement of the extraction socket, painkillers, oral mouthwash and antibiotics(for immune-compromised patients) prescribed by the dentist
• Soft diet- no solid food
• Proper oral care- still need to brush the teeth around the dry socket area
• Stop tobacco use for at least 48 hours after extraction

Debridement of the dry socket removing food debris

 

 

In conclusion, to prevent dry socket do seek advice from the dentists or oral surgeon before any tooth extraction. Other tips to prevent this painful condition is to avoid forceful rinsing and spitting, or drinking through a straw after tooth extraction. Prevention is better than cure.