When patients have a tooth extracted, the doctor often warns about dry sockets, which is a painful complication. A dry socket occurs when the extraction site loses the blood clot protecting the area. This causes patients a great deal of discomfort and pain. To avoid the development of dry sockets, your Dallas, TX dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, provides some suggestions to help your blood clot stay in place.
Dodge Dry Sockets with These Tips
- Rest. Immediately after the extraction, wait at least a day before returning to normal activities. Afterward, don’t partake in rigorous activities that could cause injury to your mouth. This includes playing sports and intense exercise.
- Watch your drinks. During the first week post extraction, don’t use a straw. The sucking motion could dislodge the blood clot, which leads to dry sockets. Additionally, drinking anything caffeinated, hot, or alcoholic could cause the clot to dissolve; therefore, avoid those beverages, too.
- Eat soft foods. According to your Dallas, TX dentist, applesauce and yogurt, amongst other soft foods, is what your diet should consist of for the first few days. Once you feel comfortable eating more solid foods, you can. However, don’t eat anything crunchy, chewing, hot, or spicy as this could cause injury to the extraction site.
- Clean the area. Once you’ve arrived at-home, you’re more than welcome to clean your mouth by rinsing gently and brushing your teeth. Yet, leave the extraction site untouched. After 24 hours, you can start the warm salt water rinses, which consists of a cup of water for every half teaspoon. You should complete these rinses after every meal and snack or every two hours.
- Refrain from tobacco use. If you’re smoker, refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours. For patients who use dip or other forms of tobacco, wait a week before continuing use. Tobacco use not only delays the healing process, it allows the possibility for complications to arise, including the development of dry sockets.
Viva Dental Provides Patients with Tooth Extraction Advice
With diligent care, healing from a tooth extraction shouldn’t pose any problems. If you would like more information about dry sockets or other complications that may arise from an extraction, talk to Dr. Truong. Before an extraction takes place, she explains the procedure and which issues to anticipate. To schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX dentist, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.
