What Is A Dry Socket?
The American Dental Association (ADA) describes a dry socket as a condition that occurs after a tooth extraction when the blood clot that’s supposed to form over the extraction site is displaced. This exposes the live bone and sensitive nerves underneath, leaving them vulnerable to harmful germs, inflammation, and damage.
A dry socket is very painful and requires immediate treatment to avoid further complications, so it’s crucial to find a dentist near you who has experience with this condition. Our skilled dentists can help with dry sockets after wisdom teeth extraction in Las Vegas.
What Are Dry Socket Symptoms?
Common dry socket symptoms include:
- Severe pain after a tooth extraction, including wisdom teeth removal
- The extraction site socket appears empty because the blood clot fell out
- You can see bone in the socket
- You have pain in your ear, neck, or that side of your face where the tooth was extracted
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
How Do You Treat A Dry Socket?
At Absolute Dental, we offer dry socket treatment after wisdom teeth extractions. While every case is different, treatment may include:
- Cleaning the socket with a special wash to prevent infection
- Adding medicated dressing to the empty socket
- Daily dressing changes to promote healing
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs or pain medication
- Avoiding smoking or eating hard foods, which can impair healing