Tips For Avoiding Dry Socket After Having a Tooth Extracted

When permanent teeth erupt from the gums, you’d like to think these are your forever teeth. However, life can happen, and the next thing you know, you need to have a tooth extracted. Maybe there is not enough room in your mouth, or perhaps a tooth has decay that is too advanced. Whatever the reason, when you visit our dentists at Kings Dental in Garland, Texas, you can rest easy that you are incapable and safe hands. Once your tooth has been extracted, here are some tips you can follow to avoid dry socket.

Avoid Drinking from A Straw

For the first 24 to 48 hours after the extraction, you will want to avoid using a straw for drinking. The reason behind this is that when you suck on a straw, suction is created. This suction can pull the blood clot from the socket, dislodging it, and lead to dry socket. After 48 hours, you should be ok, but you will want to verify with your doctor.

Avoid Vigorous Spitting

When you rinse, you may have the impulse to spit vigorously. You will want to avoid this because, much like using a straw, the action creates a lot of pressure and suction. This pressure and suction can then lead to your blood clot becoming dislodged. Instead of spitting, let the liquid drip out instead for 24 to 48 hours after your procedure.

No Tobacco Use

You should absolutely avoid using cigarettes and any form of oral tobacco during the first 48 hours after your procedure. These products can interfere with blood flow, which is necessary for healing the extraction site. You could develop dry socket if this healing does not occur unimpeded. This is also an excellent time for anybody reading to quit tobacco products, period, as it harms your oral and overall health, even when you are not undergoing dental procedures.

Avoid Direct Brushing

Instead of using your toothbrush, you should rinse with a prescription or warm saline mouth rinse for the first few days after your extraction. You can brush your other teeth normally but be careful around the extraction site. You could easily dislodge the blood clot if you hit it with your toothbrush.

To schedule an appointment at Kings Dental, call (214) 703-6900 today!