The human body is a wonderful machine and knows exactly what to do to keep itself safe. For example, when a tooth is removed from its socket, the bone and nerve are exposed. To protect them and reduce the risk of infection, a blood clot will naturally form over the extraction site.
From here on, it's all up to you. You have to protect the blood clot and prevent the development of a dry socket.
A dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot that forms over the extraction site is dislodged. Keep in mind that it's normal to feel some pain and discomfort for a couple of days after tooth removal, but with a dry socket you will also experience:
Dry sockets are fairly rare and it's easy to avoid them if you follow a few simple tips:
Drinking from a straw creates a lot of suction, which can dislodge the blood clot. That's why it's best to avoid using a straw for about 48 hours after tooth removal.
Similarly to drinking with a straw, smoking can also create a suction motion that could cause the blood clot to get displaced. Not to mention, tobacco products can also hinder the healing process and lead to other problems.
While it's important to maintain good oral hygiene after tooth extractions to reduce the risk of infection, you should avoid brushing directly over the extraction site to not risk moving the blood clot. Instead, you can use a mixture of warm water and salt to keep your mouth clean. Swish the solution gently and let it fall out of your mouth instead of spitting it. Spitting vigorously after tooth extraction can also cause the blood clot to displace.
You can return to your regular oral hygiene habits in about 4 days.
Hard, chewy, or sticky foods are more difficult to manage. Not only can you dislodge the blood clot trying to eat them, but food debris can also get stuck there, leading to an infection.
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soups, broths, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. You can start adding more solid foods into your diet 5 to 7 days after the extraction.
At Perennial Dental, our main focus is to always try to save your natural tooth. Only after we've tried all possible treatments we will recommend extractions. And, when that happens, you can rest assured that you will have a stress and pain-free experience.
If you're experiencing any dental problems, don't hesitate to get in touch to book your appointment with our Louisville dentist.
