Are you scheduled to have your wisdom teeth extracted because they are going to cause issues within your mouth? If so, one complication of the procedure you may be aware of is dry socket. Here are a few things that you should know about dry socket before you have your wisdom teeth removed.
You Are Most Susceptible To Dry Socket During The First Few Days
The chance of getting dry socket from your wisdom teeth extraction will decrease as time goes on. However, you are most susceptible to dry socket during those first few days after the procedure. This is because the blood clot is starting to form within the socket, and it is more likely to come out due to improper home care. As the socket continues to heal and the blood clot becomes more stable, the likelihood of having dry socket will greatly diminish.
Your Condition Should Always Get Better
Many patients ask their dentist about how they will know if they have dry socket. The truth is that you will know because it can be painful. Your extraction site should only get better as the days go on and should never get worse. You will have some discomfort that is completely normal, but contact your dentist if your pain and discomfort increase instead of decreasing. This means that something is wrong and your body is not healing right.
You Likely Will Not Be Able To See The Blood Clot Forming
Think that the blood clot came out of the socket? Know that it is likely not possible that you can take a look and see for yourself. That's because it is common for the extraction site to be held together using stitches that dissolve over time, which prevents the need to return to the dentist to have the stitches removed. If you could see the blood clot formation, it would look like a dark red liquid in the base of the socket.
You Can Prevent Dry Socket With Home Care
There are many things that you can do with your home care to prevent a dry socket from forming and dislodging that blood clot. Be extra gentle with everything that you eat and how you brush your teeth. Even brushing too aggressively in that area at first can cause a blood clot to become dislodged. You should also avoid using straws or smoking because these activities can put extra pressure on your gums.
Contact a dental office like Bremen Family Dentistry, PC for more information.
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