How to Avoid Dry Sockets After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Dry socket is the most common complication associated with tooth extractions. Up to 30% of people who have wisdom teeth removal surgery develop dry socket. The good news is that dry socket is treatable.

 

Here’s what you need to know about the condition – its symptoms, how to prevent it, and what to do if it develops.

 

What Is a Dry Socket?

When a tooth is removed, a crucial part of the recovery is the formation of a blood clot in the hole left by the absent tooth. Dry socket is a complication that occurs when the protective blood clot gets damaged or dislodged before the area heals.

 

Symptoms of Dry Socket

If your child has had wisdom teeth removal surgery, keep an eye out for the following signs of dry socket:

  • Pain that seems unreasonably intense and extends to the ear, eye, neck, or head.
  • Visible bone at the removal site.
  • Swelling between the jaw and the lymph nodes.
  • A bad odor or taste in the mouth.
  • Fever

 

How to Prevent Dry Socket

Before or after your child’s wisdom teeth surgery, the dentist will detail some essential dos and don’ts. Common suggestions include:

  • Using a medicated mouth rinse.
  • Changing the gauze regularly.
  • Avoiding foods that may get stuck in the hole.
  • Eating a soft food diet for the first few days after the procedure.
  • Avoiding carbonated drinks.
  • Not drinking out of straws.

 

The dentist will let you know when it’s safe to get back to normal.

 

Where Should I Go If My Child Has Dry Socket?

Dry socket is treatable. If you’re worried your child may have dry socket, reach out to the dentist immediately. Probable treatments include:

  • A thorough cleaning of the socket.
  • Application of medicated gauze.
  • Prescription pain reducers.
  • Antibiotics to prevent infection.

 

With adequate care and rest, most people recover from dry socket within seven to ten days.

 

Why Choose a Kool Smiles Partner Dentist for Your Child’s Wisdom Teeth Removal and Aftercare?

Kool Smiles Kids Club has partner dentists across the country who are well-practiced in wisdom teeth removal and aftercare. If a complication, like dry socket, arises after a wisdom tooth extraction with a Kool Smiles partner dentist, you can rest assured that you’ll have the backup you need.

 

Kool Smiles’ partners accept Medicaid, TRICARE, CHIP (formerly SCHIP), and most major insurance policies. When you choose a Kool Smiles Kids Club partner dentist, neither costs nor complications are cause for concern.

 

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Sources:

Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-removal/dry-socket-prevention-after-extraction

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-socket/symptoms-causes/syc-20354376