What Is A Dry Socket?

By Marielaina Perrone DDS | January 3, 2020

Marielaina Perrone DDS Cosmetic Dentistry

Dry socket (also called medically as alveolar osteitis) is a very painful dental condition that can sometimes happen following removal of a permanent adult tooth. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the area of tooth removal fails to develop, or it dislodges or dissolves before the wound has fully healed. Having a tooth removed by your dentist comes with certain expectations. This includes discomfort following the tooth removal. However, this discomfort should last a day or 2 at the most and be fairly mild. Dry socket pain can become very intense quickly and last for almost a week in some cases.

Dry socket is actually the most common complication of a tooth extraction. Even with that fact it still only occurs a little less than 2% of the time (about 200,000 cases in US each year) and most often following removal of wisdom teeth. It is also prevalent in those with poor blood flow, smokers, and diabetics. Dry socket generally occurs 2-3 days following tooth removal procedure. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms to protect the opening in your gums as it heals. If the blood clot does not form properly or becomes dislodged, it can create a dry socket. A dry socket leaves the nerves and underlying bones exposed, so it is important to see your dentist immediately. If left untreated, this can lead to dental infection and other complications. Dry socket most often occurs in those  who smoke, are on oral contraceptives (estrogen can interfere with clotting mechanisms), or do not follow post care instructions properly.  Interesting for women, the oral contraceptives also tend to lower pain tolerance which will lead to increased pain sensation if dry socket occurs.

Marielaina Perrone DDS Dry Socket

What Is A Dry Socket? Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of dry socket may include:

-Sharp, aching pain usually starting 2-3 days after removal of a tooth or teeth -Blood Clot Missing. If you peek into your mouth you would see an opening where tooth was and if there is no blood clot present then you probably have a dry socket. In a normal situation a blood clot forms and covers the exposed opening.

-Visible Bone Present. Bone that can be seen upon visual examination in the socket. -Radiating Pain. Radiating from the tooth socket to your ear, eye, temple or neck on the same side of your face as the tooth removal.

-Abnormally bad breath or a foul odor emanating from your mouth. This will include having a bad taste in your mouth as well.

-Swollen Lymph Nodes. If you have swollen lymph nodes around your jaw or neck, this is a sign of dental infection and you need to be seen by your dentist immediately as this can be a serious medical emergency if untreated. Signs of a dental infection can include fever, swelling, redness, and pus discharge from extraction site.

-Over The Counter Pain Medications Do Not Work. Generally, tylenol, aleve and advil will not be strong enough of a pain reliever to be able to control dry socket pain.

How Can A Dry Socket Be Treated?

Your dentist will relieve the area of pain using a local anesthetic. If the infection has spread this may not relieve all pain and discomfort at this time but it will help. Your dentist will need to inspect the tooth removal site and clean it of any debris or food particles. Once the area is cleaned sufficiently, your dentist will probably place a medicated dressing over the area to promote healing and soothe the dry socket symptoms. These medicated dressings usually need to be changed daily until dry socket symptoms subside. Use of a warm cloth on outside of face can also aid in healing by promoting increased blood flow to the area.

If there is infection present or your dentist suspects one is forming an antibiotic may be prescribed. You will also be given detailed instructions on at home care. Usually includes rinsing with warm, salt water and just being careful with area while it heals. Healing of a dry socket at this point will take between 1 and 2 weeks.

Possible Home Help Remedies For Dry Socket

Home remedies to help with dry socket pain can include:
 
-Rinsing with Warm salt water. Rinsing can help eliminate bacteria and reduce or prevent further infection.
 
-Cold and heat therapy. This can promote blood flow to area of dry socket. For the first 24 hours or so following a tooth extraction, use cold against your face for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. After 1st day you can use heat in the form of warm cloth to help manage pain.
 
-Clove oil. This contains eugenol (this is traditional dental office smell), which has anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It can help to soothe pain and help prevent infections. Some people have reactions to clove oil so speak to your dentist before using. You can place clove oil on a sterile gauze and place it over dry socket area for 15 minutes or so to help relieve dry socket symptoms.
 
-Honey. Honey has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Clinical studies have found that honey when used for dry socket applications resulted in a significant reduction in inflammation, swelling, pain, and discomfort. There was also evidence honey possibly prevents further dental infection. Honey can be applied similar to the clove oil. Place a small amount of honey on a sterile gauze and place over dry socket wound.
 
-Black tea. Contains tannic acid. Tannic acid can act as a natural antibacterial agent while also having the ability to reduce both swelling and pain.
 
-Tea tree oil. Also has antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties.
 
-Oregano oil.  Has antibacterial benefits and studies have shown it may even be effective against some drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
 
-Chamomile tea. Chamomile has anti oxidant properties. This can promote wound healing.

What Is A Dry Socket? Conclusion

It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions especially following a tooth removal. Communicate concerns and questions immediately so they can be addressed immediately to avoid unforeseen complications. A dry socket can be quite painful and can have serious consequences if ignored. See your dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime.

If you are ready for a smile makeover, contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no cost cosmetic consultation appointment. We cannot wait to help you with your smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.

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