While we work hard at Enid Dental Care to ensure our patients understand their post-operational instructions, complications are possible. One of the most common problems following a tooth extraction is a dry socket, so we want our patients to know how to prevent it and how to recognize if they develop one.
When a tooth is removed, it is very important that a blood clot be allowed to form over the extraction site. Without it, the socket will painfully dry out and be at risk of infection. Patients are advised to avoid sipping through straws immediately following surgery, so as not to knock the clot loose prematurely. It is also wise to forego the use of birth control, as it interferes with clot formation, and to avoid smoking or use of tobacco products (although dentists always recommend that).
When patients do suffer from dry sockets, they will usually feel severe pain about two days after the extraction. Difficulties are more likely to happen following complicated extractions which required the doctor to cut through bone or gum tissue. Patients should request an emergency appointment so they may be provided with painkillers, anti-bacterial pills, and medicated wound dressing to moisten the sockets. The dressings will need to be replaced every few days until the healing is complete, but patients usually make full recoveries.
Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.
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