Dry Sockets: Prevention May Really Be The Best Cure

Dry socket is a teeth related issue which is observed post surgery in two percent to 5 percent cases of tooth extraction. What occurs is that post teeth removal, the blood clot normally created to protect the vulnerable bone and nerve endings is found missing. This leaves the nerves and bones open to air, food and fluids causing severe pain, spreading to the patient’s face on the side of the removal. The issue affects typically the wisdom and the molar teeth.

Medical Treatment

Prevention as treatment

There is really no possible treatment for dry sockets symptoms as it’s a condition that appears and then disappears by itself. The objective of the dentists’ efforts is eliminating and reduction of the pain.

Among men, people that use tobacco or smoke it are more vulnerable to dry sockets. Smoking decreases the oxygen percentage in the blood and impairs the person’s natural ability to repair. Smokers are therefore advised to avoid smoking for a few days prior to and after the operation. Also the suction movement may disturb the blood clot from the area of tooth extraction.

In women, the taking of contraceptive tablets adds to the risk of this condition. High levels of estrogen that are linked with pregnancy prevention tablets dilute the blood and hinders blood clotting. Females are encouraged to avoid taking the contraceptive tablets for at least a week before and after the procedure. Or else they should have their teeth removed during the final week of the menstrual cycle.

Caring for The Pain

Analgesics are the chief medications for diminishing the levels of pain. The typical method is to have the person on analgesics and anti inflammatory medication for 10 to 15 days after the surgery. To prevent the infection from spreading or intensifying, doctors advise antiseptics while in severe conditions antibiotics are prescribed.

Antiinfective dressings are the chief treatment for dry sockets. The inflamed site is carefully sprayed by saline and later a antiinfective dressing is placed in the socket. The dressing soothes the region, reduces the pain and encourages the formation of new tissues.