How to Prevent a Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction

Dentists commonly warn patients about the possibilities of getting dry socket after tooth extractions. Dry socket, known as alveolar osteitis in technical terms, is a serious, painful condition that occurs most commonly after a tooth extraction. It occurs when a tooth is pulled and the blood clot next to the extraction sight becomes displaced or dissolves. When this happens, the bone and nerves under the tooth are exposed, which results in extreme pain. There are several ways to prevent dry socket from happening after a tooth extraction.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze
• Salt
• Warm Water
• Tooth Brush
• Floss
• Soup/Jell-o/Soft Food
• Ice Pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Learn your risks. Certain people, such as women who take contraceptives and those who smoke, are at higher risk for developing a dry socket than others. If you take oral contraceptives, MayoClinic.com suggests scheduling your extraction during days 23 to 28 of your menstrual cycle when your estrogen levels are lower. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, MayoClinic.com recommends stopping 24 hours prior to your procedure.

• 2

  Avoid using a straw. The sucking motion that occurs when you suck through a straw actually can cause the blood clot at the site of the extraction to loosen and dislodge.

• 3

  Do not smoke. Smoking causes contamination at the site of the extraction, which can also be a cause of a dry socket. The sucking and blowing motion required for smoking also promotes displacement of the blood clot at the tooth site.

• 4

  Use ice. Apply an icepack to your jaw on the side of the extraction periodically. Do this for the first 24 hours after the extraction to reduce the pain for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This well help reduce the swelling and stop the bleeding, helping the blood clot heal faster.

• 5

  Eat soft foods. When eating after a tooth extraction, avoid eating on the side of your mouth where the extraction took place and do not eat hard or crunchy foods. Eat things like mashed potatoes, soup and pudding.

• 6

  Avoid excessive mouth rinsing. Follow your dentist's instructions regarding rinsing your mouth. Many dentists may recommend that you rinse periodically with a warm water and salt mixture to help clean the wound. Avoid over-rinsing or using harsh mouthwash products.

• 7

  Consult your dentist. If you believe you have a dry socket, call your dentist immediately to find out what you should do and how to ease your pain and help the extraction site heal.