Learning More About Dry Socket
Hello, this is Dr. Jamali at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York. I get a lot of questions about dry sockets, and I am here today to answer some of them.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is basically inflammation or exposure of the alveolar bone, the jawbone. It usually happens when a wisdom tooth is removed and the blood clot is lost.
What causes dry socket?
Dry socket is caused by smoking, heavy exercising, alcohol, and using straws.
What are the symptoms of dry socket?
The symptoms of dry sockets include severe pain, usually nine or 10 out of 10. Patients are often in tears when they come to the office, and no pain medication will help.
How can I prevent dry socket after a tooth extraction?
You can prevent dry socket after tooth extraction by following my instructions carefully. This includes not using straws to drink for 10 days, no exercise for 10 days, and no alcohol or smoking for 10 days.
How is dry socket treated?
Dry socket is treated by cleaning out the socket and placing medications along with gauze in there. The patient has to come in every day for 3 to 4 days until the symptoms subside.
How long does dry socket last?
Dry socket usually lasts about 3 to 4 days.
When can I stop worrying about dry socket after extraction?
You can stop worrying about dry socket usually after 10 to 12 days post-extraction.
Can smoking increase the risk of dry socket?
Smoking certainly can increase the risk of getting a dry socket.
Is dry socket more common after wisdom teeth removal?
Dry socket is certainly more common after the removal of wisdom teeth.
Can I treat dry socket at home or do I need to see a dentist?
You cannot treat dry socket at home. You really need to see an oral surgeon to get treatment for it.
What does dry socket feel like compared to normal healing?
Dry socket, compared to normal healing, involves severe pain, rated 10 out of 10. It almost always happens on the fourth or fifth day. If you have pain after the second or third day post-extraction, it is not a dry socket. If you have no pain or pain is getting better, and suddenly, on the fourth or fifth da,y you experience severe pain, it's a sign of dry socket.
Can I get dry socket a week after my tooth extraction?
You can get dry socket a week after tooth extraction, but after four or five days, it becomes less likely.
Does dry socket heal on its own?
Dry socket will heal on its own eventually, but it will be very painful without intervention.
What food should I avoid to prevent dry socket?
Avoid solid foods or nuts to prevent dry socket. Spicy food is probably not a good idea. Hot food during the first day or two is not advisable, and do not use a straw to drink for the first 10 days.
How soon after tooth extraction can I smoke without risking a dry socket?
You can start smoking after 10 to 12 days post-extraction. Your chances of getting a dry socket decrease after that.
Thank you. This is Dr. Jamali. I hope I have answered some of the questions about getting a dry socket after tooth removal.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (332) 244-0554. Our staff would love to talk with you!