What is Dental Dry Socket
Dry socket is a condition that can happen after a tooth is pulled. When a tooth gets pulled, it leaves a hole (socket). Normally, blood fills up the hole and hardens (clots).
That protects the bone and nerves underneath. Dry socket happens if blood gets removed from the hole or does not fill the hole. This can cause pain because the bone and nerves are not protected.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your dentist or doctor.
- If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your dentist or doctor. Do notstop taking it even if you start to feel better.
- Brush and floss your teeth every morning and night.
- Do notdrink bubbly (carbonated) drinks.
- Do notdrink alcohol.
- Do notuse tobacco products. These include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your dentist or doctor. This is important.
Contact a doctor if:
- You have pain that is not helped by medicine.
- You have a fever.
- Your mouth becomes tender and swollen.
Get help right away if:
- You have very bad pain or a lot of swelling.
- You have bleeding that will not stop.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You cannot open your mouth.
