Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot inside a dental extraction site either:
- dissolves
- does not correctly form, or
- becomes prematurely dislodged
The blood clot formed after a dental extraction is necessary in order for the site to heal correctly. Dry sockets are a very painful condition that can sometimes occur after a wisdom teeth extraction, or other molar extraction. The good news is that only a small percentage of Colleyville, TX patients develop dry sockets, and often, they can be prevented through following your oral surgeon ’s proper post-operative care.
Continue reading to discover Dr. Chris Tye’s top four tips to help avoid dry sockets after an extraction.
If you are looking for the best oral surgeon in Colleyville, TX, look no further than Dr. Tye. He has helped thousands of North Texas patients through dental extractions and wisdom teeth extractions, and knows how to skillfully handle whatever situation may arise during the procedure or recovery process. Trust your oral health to Dr. Tye and our team at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists; call us today at (817) 552-3223.
Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
Smoking significantly increases your risk for developing dry sockets. Though smoking has many negative implications for your health, you should especially consider quitting smoking before receiving a dental extraction or wisdom teeth extraction. The noxious chemicals found in cigarette smoke, combined with the act of inhaling the smoke quickly through the mouth can delay proper healing of the extraction site and prevent a blood clot from correctly forming.
If you must smoke after the procedure, wait at least 72 hours. In the meantime, try nicotine patches to help curb your smoking habit.
Skip the straw.
During your first few days of recovery, don’t use a straw when drinking. The suction created inside your mouth to bring liquids up through a straw can dislodge vulnerable blood clots during the first few days post-procedure.
Always sip directly from a cup, or use a spoon to eat thick smoothies or milkshakes.
Reach for soft foods.
Your Colleyville, TX oral surgeon will advise you to eat a soft diet for the first few days, to give your extraction sites time to heal. Hard or crunchy foods could enter the extraction site and damage or destroy the blood clot. By choosing soft foods (think applesauce, yogurt, eggs soups, etc.) you can forgo most chewing and avoid pressure on your healing extraction sites.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and clear liquids during the first week to stay hydrated.
Clean, rinse, repeat.
Keeping a clean mouth is key to avoiding dry sockets. Our team may provide you with a special mouthwash, or we may advise you to use a simple saltwater rinse a couple times a day. Gentle swishing can remove any food debris or plaque from around the extraction site. Just be cautious not to swish too vigorously, which can dislodge a blood clot, too. Brush and floss as normal, using care not to brush near the sutures.
Contact Colleyville, TX oral surgeon Dr. Chris Tye.
If you have any additional questions or concerns – or if you believe you may have developed dry sockets after your dental extraction – please call the office at (817) 552-3223, or contact us online. Dr. Tye and our team are proud to serve Colleyville, TX in addition to Grapevine, Keller, Southlake, and Euless. Thank you for entrusting us to your care!
