Dry socket, often referred to as alveolar osteitis, is a common complication associated with tooth extraction. It occurs when the blood clot that fills the socket after extraction is removed either because it dislodges or disintegrates. The blood clot is important in aiding the healing process and if it disappears it exposes the bony socket and delays the healing.
With most extractions the patient will experience some level of discomfort, no matter how small the operation to remove it. This pain will be greater the closer you are to the surgery and will get less and less with each day that passes. Patients who are suffering from a dry socket notice that the pain does initially diminish but then returns after a few days and becomes more severe and intense.
The pain can be very intense and is usually throbbing in nature. It is usually located in the extraction site but can spread to the ear or even the eye on the same side of the face as the tooth. The pain is also usually accompanied by a foul odour and taste in the mouth. The extraction site will appear empty and the bone will usually be visible at the bottom. Dry socket occurs with roughly two per cent of tooth extractions.
It is not known exactly what causes this to happen but it may be linked to the severity of the operation. It may also be a case of ignoring the post surgery advice and eating or drinking something you have been advised not to. Other dentists believe smoking or other lifestyle choices can affect the risk of having dry socket.
Treatment involves palliative pain relief and returning to the dentist so that a surgical dressing can be applied to the socket to encourage it to heal properly. It is strongly advised that patients with dry socket return immediately to their dentist. Make an appointment with a Central Leeds dentist if you think you may be suffering from a dry socket.
Tags: dry socket, tooth extraction
