General Information

• When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, and there are no other possible treatment options, extraction of the tooth may be necessary. With the removal of a permanent tooth, there is the risk of developing dry sockets. According to WMDS, dry sockets are more likely to occur with surgical extractions, and removal of lower impacted wisdom teeth. When this happens, it is important to promptly return to the dentist or oral surgeon who removed the tooth.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Severe pain, two to five days following an extraction, is a tell-tale sign of dry sockets. It is normal to have pain following a dental extraction, but it should gradually improve as time passes. When pain begins to intensify after it has started to get better, a visit with the oral surgeon who performed the extraction is in order. Other signs to look for are visibility of the bone at the site, bad breath or taste in the mouth, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jaw area and pain that radiates into the jaw area.
  
  

Prevention

• Following a dental extraction, there are certain precautions that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of a dry socket. Get plenty of rest, and do not engage in strenuous activity. Avoiding tobacco use is important. Smoking should be avoided for at least one full day, preferably longer, and chewing tobacco for one full week. The patient should not drink beverages that contain carbonation, caffeine or alcohol for 24 hours. Soft foods should be consumed for the first 24 hours, and other semi soft foods should be gradually introduced as the patient feels comfortable. The use of a straw during the first week after surgery should be completely avoided, as this can dislodge the blood clot.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for this condition involves placing medicated gauze in the socket until it heals. The oral surgeon will first flush the pocket to remove food and debris. Then the medicated gauze will be positioned into the socket. Immediate relief is usually experienced, but the patient may still need pain medications. The patient will have to return to the clinic every day to have the gauze changed, until the dry socket has healed and the pain has diminished. Typically, dry sockets heal within five to ten days.