CARING FOR A DRY SOCKET FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY
When a tooth is removed, a “hole” or socket is left in the bone where the root used to be present. Normal healing requires an adequate blood clot in the hold
When the blood clot does not form properly or it is lost, you will have delayed healing and pain. The pain usually increases the third to fifth day after the tooth was removed and may move forward or backward (radiate) in the jaw even to the ear. A bad taste or odor may be present. The pain is usually caused by exposed bone in the tooth socket because of the absence of a blood clot.
This is how we plan to help you:
- If you are given an antibiotic, continue to take all medications as directed until they are gone or your doctor tells you to discontinue it.
- A sedative dressing will be placed in the socket. Leave it alone. If the dressing comes out, do not replace it yourself.
- Do not irrigate or use a Waterpik in the area.
- If a sedative dressing was placed, it must be removed in two days.
- Chew a soft diet and attempt to chew on the opposite side as much as possible.
- Brush the teeth around the area with a soft toothbrush.
It is not unusual to run a low-grade temperature. Be sure to get plenty of fluids. Call our office if your fever is persistently over 102. Oral temperatures are often not accurate with oral infections.