After Tooth Extraction, How Long Should I Get a Dry Socket?

After permanent teeth or wisdom teeth extraction near you, you may get a condition known as dry socket. It interferes with healing and leads to intense pain at the extraction site. Therefore, it is crucial to know why and when the condition occurs and whether you can prevent it. Continue reading to learn when to expect dry sockets after teeth extraction.

What Is Dry Socket, and Why Does It Occur?

Once a dentist extracts a tooth, blood clots form at the socket. The blood clot promotes healing by covering and protecting the underlying jawbone and tissues. Unfortunately, it may not form due to preexisting gum infections, hormones or smoking. Physiological factors like a dense jawbone and poor blood supply also contribute.

Alternatively, the clot may form and be interfered with afterwards. For example, it may happen when you use tobacco products or suck through a straw. The clot may also be dislodged by spitting forcefully, rinsing the mouth aggressively or touching it. Eating hard foods also leads to partial or total loss of this blood tissue in the tooth socket.

The lack of blood clots leaves the nerves in the socket exposed. As a result, food particles and bacteria accumulate inside, leading to irritation. The jawbone also becomes inflamed, leading to ongoing excruciating pain, bad breath and foul taste. As a result, the issue delays healing and causes infections in the surrounding tissues.

When Does the Dry Socket Take Place?

The occurrence of dry sockets is relatively rare. Although some factors increase its chances, not everyone experiences the condition. According to the Toronto dentist, you can start watching out for the symptoms of dry socket two to three days after the extraction. The symptoms usually manifest within the first week after the procedure.

When you detect signs of the condition, visit the emergency dental clinic immediately. The dentist will examine the socket to determine its severity. After the diagnosis, they will provide treatment and symptomatic support as you heal. Healing takes place within 10-15 days. This is the usual time for new tissue to grow and cover the exposed tissues.

Dry Socket Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms of dry socket include:

• Partial or total loss of blood clot in the socket of the extracted tooth
• A part of the jawbone may be visible in the socket
• Tissues surrounding the socket may appear gray because of poor healing
• A continuous throbbing pain a few days after the extraction
• Pain that radiates to other parts of the face on the side of the removed tooth
• Bad breathing and taste from the socket due to food debris and bacteria accumulation

Dry Socket Risks

There are a few factors for developing a dry socket after tooth removal. Smoking or using tobacco products is among these risk factors. After extraction, a wound forms in the socket. Exposure to nicotine reduces the blood supply to the socket inhibiting healing. As a result, a blood clot does not form at the extraction site.

Another factor is the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. When you go for wisdom teeth near you, the dentist will extract one of the third molars. If the tooth is impacted or stuck beneath the gum, the surgery will affect your gum tissues and jawbone. The resulting trauma to the site increases the chances of a dry socket.

If you have had previous issues at the extraction site, you risk having a dry socket. A few examples of such problems are pericoronitis pr gum disease. In addition, women are more prone to dry sockets after extraction than men. This occurs due to hormonal changes caused by oral contraceptives or the menstrual cycle.

Older patients, too, are at an increased risk of the condition. The risk increases further after impacted wisdom tooth extraction. This is because the jawbone grows denser and has less blood supply as you age. Therefore, the chances of blood clot formation and timely healing decrease. As a result, you will have a dry socket.

Do you have a severely damaged or diseased tooth and need an extraction? Then schedule an appointment with our dental experts at King and Weston Dental. We use special techniques during the procedure and take measures to help prevent dry sockets. Our dental professionals will also give tips to prevent a dry socket at home.