Dental Problems

Learn More About Dry Socket

A dry socket is a painful dental condition that can occur after extracting a permanent tooth. The dentists at Absolute Smiles will find ways to provide relief for this oral health issue.

Book an Appointment

Don't Let a Dry Socket Keep You From Your Smile

Alveolar osteitis or a dry socket can develop when the blood clot that forms in the empty hole or where the tooth was placed before extraction is dislodged or doesn’t form at all. When this happens, the nerves and bones are exposed to the oral environment, which causes debilitating pain. It’s important to be aware of its symptoms so you can seek treatment if necessary.

Get Relief From Dry Socket Pain Today With Our Emergency Treatment

At Absolute Smiles, we take essential steps to prevent and manage dental problems like dry sockets. Our highly experienced team take pride in providing a suitable treatment plan by examining the condition of the mouth. The dentists in our dental clinic can give immediate relief by applying medicated gauze on the area to promote healing and blood clot formation. 

Suppose you need urgent dental treatment, visit our dental clinic near Bassendean or contact us today at 08 9279 7956.

Dental Services That Can Address Dry Socket

Pain following a tooth extraction is quite normal. But, if you suspect yourself of having a dry socket, it’s important to see a dentist right away. Our dental clinic provides immediate care for this condition:

Emergency Dentist

Prompt treatment usually involves pain management and sanitising the tooth socket to minimise the risk of infection. We may also check if there are fragments remaining and the severity of the condition to provide further proper care.
Read More

Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today to Achieve That Stunning Smile

For 20 years, we have provided high-quality dental care that is personalised and stress-free for the whole family. Absolute Smiles offers a comprehensive range of dental services to help you and your loved ones achieve healthy smiles.

Get in Touch

Schedule your appointment today and discover why families have chosen Absolute Smiles for their dental care!
Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Socket

This should be empty for CSS hidden use only.

An intense pain in your mouth that radiates across your face is typically a sign of alveolar osteitis. The level of discomfort may vary; it can be mild, but frequently it’s severe. Other symptoms may include the following:

  • Empty tooth socket. The extraction site normally looks like a dark-coloured scab as the blood clot forms. But in the case of a dry socket, it may seem white because of visible alveolar bone.
  • Bad breath and unpleasant taste. It can occur because of a bacterial infection around the wound.

The reason behind the development of a dry socket still needs further study. But dental professionals believe that the following risk factors possibly increase the risk of this dental problem:

  • Injury. Any trauma or unnecessary pressure on the extraction site can hurt the blood clot.
  • Lack of oral hygiene habits. Neglecting to keep your mouth clean can heighten bacterial contamination.
  • Drinking from a straw. The suction movement of cheek muscles and air when you use a straw can cause the blood clot to dissolve.
  • Smoking or tobacco use. Smoking can damage the blood vessels and interfere with the supply of blood flow to the area, which can affect the formation of blood clot and delay healing time.
  • Rinsing the mouth. While it’s okay to rinse your mouth after a few days to reduce bacteria, swishing too vigorously can dissolve the blood clot.

While a dry socket can be managed and rarely results in serious oral health concerns, without treatment, it can lead to more severe complications, including infection in the tooth socket and chronic bone infection, also known as osteomyelitis. If you experience any symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

The ideal way to manage painful sockets at home is to keep them clean to reduce infection and minimise severe pain. You may do this by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. It has natural ingredients that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and bacteria. The saltwater will also flush out food debris that may be stuck in the tooth socket. Make sure to rinse gently to avoid worsening the condition.

There are possible ways you can take to avoid having alveolar osteitis after difficult tooth extraction. Here are some tips that may be essential to keep your blood clot stays in place and the socket heals:

  • Keep good oral hygiene. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions. They may advise you on how to keep your teeth clean during your healing process. You will likely need to rinse your mouth only on the first day using antibacterial mouthwash and brush your teeth gently the following day. But be careful not to touch the extraction site.
  • Avoid pressure. Avoid any movement or things that can create suction. As we’ve discussed, using a straw can damage blood clotting, so it’s better to skip them. Additionally, just let the liquid drip out of your mouth when rinsing or brushing your teeth instead of spitting it out.
  • Do not smoke. You would want to avoid smoking or using any tobacco products.
  • Soft diet. You should follow the recommended dietary instructions given to you. Eat only soft foods, such as smoothies, pudding, and yoghurt. You must avoid hard, crunchy foods for at least two weeks.