Tooth Extractions

How do I prevent dry socket after tooth extraction?

When you have a tooth extracted, you develop a blood clot shortly after the surgery to begin the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has fully healed it can cause pain, this is called dry socket.

Tips for avoiding dry socket:

1. Avoid straws or anything that creates a suction movement of air and cheek muscles.
2. Do not consume any form of tobacco. Smoking tobacco results in fast inhalation that can dislodge your blood clot and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
3. Eat soft foods only like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first one or two days.
4. Inquire about any medicines you’re taking to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
5. Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean and consider an antibacterial mouthwash.
6. Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.

When and why are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to develop, and they grow in the very back of the mouth. In most cases, you will start to feel these teeth emerge when you are in your late teens or early twenties. Almost everyone has these teeth removed since they tend to grow at a severely slanted angle and will likely bump into other teeth and cause crowding. There is also very little space available for these teeth. Ultimately, about 85% of adults end up having their wisdom teeth removed.

What causes the need for tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Teeth extraction usually occurs when a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay and there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired by a filling or crown.

However, there are other reasons for tooth extraction including, extra teeth growing in that are blocking others, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out in time for the permanent teeth to come in, braces, or wisdom teeth that are commonly removed for medical reasons.