Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Here’s How to Prevent Dry Socket

Approximately 5 million people in the United States have their wisdom teeth removed every year. This common dental procedure may be necessary if you have wisdom teeth that crowd your mouth, can’t break through the gum line, or are coming in crooked.

Although oral surgery is relatively common, you need to take proper care of your mouth afterward to ensure a smooth recovery. At Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, we want you to be aware of one of the most common complications after wisdom tooth extraction: dry socket. This painful condition can delay healing and compromise your short-term oral health.

Here’s what you need to know to care for your mouth and avoid dry socket after your wisdom tooth removal.

All about dry socket

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) results when the blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction becomes dislodged or dissolves too soon. This clot protects the underlying bone and nerves while the area heals. Without it, the healing process slows down, and the exposed tissue can cause intense pain.

You may have dry socket if you experience:

Severe pain a few days after the extraction
An empty-looking socket where the tooth was removed
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
Pain that radiates to your ear, eye, or neck on the affected side

If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth removed and are experiencing these symptoms, contact our office immediately. If you have just had your wisdom teeth removed, read on to prevent the condition from occurring.

Tips to prevent dry socket

Taking the right precautions after your wisdom tooth extraction can significantly lower your risk of developing dry socket. Please follow our aftercare guidelines carefully. We tailor these instructions to your specific needs; they’re designed to promote healing and prevent complications.

Specifically, you should:

Avoid straws and suction movements, which can dislodge the blood clot
Maintain oral hygiene by rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water only for the first 24 hours
Skip tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco, for a minimum of 72 hours post-surgery
Stick to a diet of soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies during the first few days
Don’t do any strenuous activity for at least 48 hours, and vigorous movement can dislodge a clot

Remember to take any prescribed pain medications or antibiotics as directed to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help alleviate minor pain.

Actions to take if you suspect dry socket

If you experience severe pain or other symptoms of dry socket, contact Advanced Care Dentistry immediately. We evaluate your situation and help by cleaning the socket, applying a medicated dressing, and prescribing pain relief to ease your symptoms and promote healing.

If you have any questions about your recovery from wisdom tooth extraction or need to schedule a follow-up appointment, get in touch with our office today to schedule your appointment, or use this website to book online.