Preventing Dry Sockets

When a tooth extraction becomes necessary, we at Evans Dental Care in Williamsburg do everything within our power to make it go as quickly and painlessly as possible. There is one major issue which we need the patient’s cooperation to prevent, and that’s a dry socket.

Teeth extractions are typically done by wiggling a tooth while pushing it upwards or pulling it, although incisions into the gum are sometimes necessary for complex cases. After the tooth is out, there will be an empty socket left behind with a bit of blood in it. The socket is vulnerable to infection, particularly if it dries out, but the blood will form a scab, sealing it off. We want to prevent the clot from being dislodged until the socket closes, which in simple cases, takes about a week.

Patients undergoing extractions are warned not to sip from a straw following the procedure, or else the suction may dislodge the clot. They should also avoid smoking, eating sticky foods, or brushing too hard near the extraction site. If the patient is in pain more than two days after the extraction, they should request an emergency appointment. We can provide medication to heal a dry socket and monitor its progress more closely.

Dr. Peter Evans operates Evans Dental Care at 103 Bulifants Blvd., Suite B, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23188. To schedule an appointment, visit Evans Dental Care or call 757-349-8877.