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Dry Socket
Dry
socket, the most common post-operative complication from tooth
extraction, delays the normal healing process and results when
the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not
form correctly or is prematurely lost.
The blood
clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop
over a two-month healing process. If the clot is disrupted,
the bone in the extraction area is left exposed and
susceptible to bacteria and response to hot and cold.
Exposed
bone is very sensitive and must be covered as soon as
possible, which can almost instantaneously reduce the
discomfort the patient is having. If this happens to you,
don't delay: see your dentist immediately.
Tips for
preventing dry socket include:
-
Avoid
drinking through a straw because the suction will interfere
with healthy clotting.
-
Avoid
smoking because it can contaminate the extraction site and
also introduce suction to interfere with clotting.
-
Avoid
spitting and excessive mouth rinsing, which may interfere
with blood clotting.
-
Schedule
extractions during the last week of the menstrual cycle,
when estrogen levels are inactive.
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