We’re proud to say that dry sockets are rare at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. This complication following a tooth extraction is extremely unpleasant, but it is also avoidable in most cases if the patient follows simple instructions. Although only about 2-5% of people who get extractions suffer from dry sockets, we wanted our patients to better understand them so that if they get an extraction, they won’t be hearing their post-operative instructions for the first time.
A simple extraction is one in which the tooth is rocked until it can be lifted out with forceps. Complex extractions involve gum incisions and may require the tooth to be sectioned. A dry socket can result from either, though it is more commonly from the latter. Usually, blood clots would close off the empty socket, protecting it from irritating debris and pathogens, but sometimes the blood may fail to clot or the scab may come loose. If this happens, the socket will dry out painfully and be at risk for infection.
Three of the biggest risk factors for dry sockets are smoking, birth control pills, and the use of straws. The estrogen in pills can prevent blood from clotting, while smoking can dissolve the clot and suction can pull it loose. We also advise patients to avoid brushing near the extraction site on the first day after the procedure and to avoid solid foods. The socket may be cleaned with a salt water rinse.
Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.
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