What is a dry socket, and how do I prevent it?
‘ Dry socket’ is a tooth extraction socket that hurts longer and more severely than should be expected. The cause of dry sockets is multi-factorial. Certain conditions increase the risk of development of a dry socket. These are listed below. – Extractions in the lower back jaw. – Smoking cigarettes or cigars – Females have double the risk compared to men. – Women taking birth control. – Surgical complexity increases the risk. – Previous infections in the area. – Medically compromised patents. – Increased age increases the risk. – Poor post-operative care such as aggressive rinsing or poor oral hygiene. Prevention: The doctor will help to prevent a dry socket as listed below. – Pre-operative anti-microbial rinse. – Gentle surgical care – Efficient (short) surgical time. – Medications placed in the socket at the time of surgery. – Post-operative antibiotics.
