THERE are a number of reasons why your dentist might suggest a tooth extraction, from incoming wisdom teeth to a damaged tooth, or even overcrowding.

The extraction should be uneventful, and if you follow a few dry socket prevention tips your recovery will be just as smooth.

What Is a dry socket?

When your dentist removes a tooth your body creates a blood clot to protect the newly exposed bone and nerves. If that clot is disturbed it leaves the nerves and bones vulnerable to bacterial contamination and pain. Not only does this slow your recovery process but it can leave you in extreme discomfort, with pain radiating from your mouth and throughout your face. Your dentist can apply new dressings to help improve clotting and speed healing, but it’s best to practice dry socket prevention to avoid the issue altogether.

How to prevent dry socket

Dry socket prevention isn’t too complex — as long as you care for the extraction site properly – you’ll soon be back to normal. Here’s how to keep your extraction site clean and healthy during the recovery process:

• Food and drink: You probably won’t feel like eating right after your extraction, but when you do start to get hungry stick to soft foods and chew on the side of your mouth opposite to the extraction site. Feel free to drink plenty of water, but don’t drink sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages and don’t use straws as the suction could dislodge the blood clot. Avoid straws for at least a week or for as long as your oral surgeon or dentist recommends.

• Tobacco use: Tobacco use is one of the most common causes of dry socket. Your dentist warns that smoking or chewing tobacco within 48 hours of surgery slows healing and can have painful repercussions. Smoking introduces bacteria into the site, while chewing tobacco disturbs the healing clot.

• Hygiene: Allow at least 24 hours for the clot to form and begin protecting the extraction site before cleaning the extraction area. You can gently brush your other teeth and your tongue instead. After the first day, gently rinse with warm saltwater to get rid of germs that could infect your extraction site.

• Rest: Plan to take some time to rest after your tooth extraction. You’ll likely need some time for the effects of anaesthesia to wear off and may feel groggy or tired. Avoid playing sports or participating in physical activities that could disturb your mouth (think contact sports). It may take a few days for you to get back to your regular activities, but you may still feel some breakthrough pain and be exhausted. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen and contact your dentist if the pain worsens, radiates through your face, or is accompanied by swelling, redness and fever.

A tooth extraction can be nerve-racking, but as long as you follow your oral surgeon’s or dentist’s instructions your recovery should be uneventful. Dry socket can disrupt your healing process so make sure that you’re conscious of your eating, drinking and hygiene habits in the days following your extraction, and you can avoid the issue altogether.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, located at shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710. Like their Facebook page, Dental Place Cosmetix Spa for an opportunity to take advantage of weekly specials.