Sometimes having tooth extractions is unavoidable, and for most isn’t a complicated procedure. However, for five percent of patients who have tooth extractions, dry socket is a real problem.
According to Glen Dental Center in Glenview, dry socket occurs when the space left by the pulled tooth dries out exposing the bone. The excruciating condition occurs when the blood clot that is meant to protect the nerve and the bone goes dries up or simply disappears.
What is Dry Socket?
Known as Alveolar Osteitis, the condition is caused by an inflammation of the bone and is a complication of tooth extractions.
When you have a tooth or teeth removed, a pocket will be left where the roots of your teeth used to be. Typically, a blood clot will form inside the socket sealing the area to enable it to heal. If the clot becomes dislodged or breaks down the bone and the nerve will be exposed.
The most critical time for dry socket is within the first five days of the extraction. Dry sockets are very painful, and if you are in any kind of pain, it is imperative that you contact Glen Dental Center immediately.
Treatment
Dr. Gilmor from Glen Dental Center in Chicago will flush out the socket removing any debris before applying a medicated dressing that will help decrease pain and protect the socket. The team from Glenview Dental will give you instructions for care, cleaning and diet. With proper care, the dry socket will heal within 7 to ten days. Be sure to schedule a follow up appointment to make sure that the area has healed properly.
Having tooth extractions shouldn’t cause pain, and if you are noticing any abnormalities after your tooth has been pulled, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Gilmore from the Glen Dental Center in Glenview Illinois as soon as possible. If left untreated, dry socket could cause an infection that could lead to a dangerous abscess, call or click now.