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Fairhope Dentistry: Dry Socket Information

Dry Socket Causes and Treatment

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket is a condition that can occur after a dental extraction. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot from your extraction is removed and your nerve is exposed, which causes a lot of extreme pain in the extraction area. A dry socket is a throbbing sensation that usually begins two to four days after you have had a dental extraction procedure. A dry socket can cause a nasty taste in your mouth as well as cause you to have bad breath. Dry sockets are not that common, and they only occur in about two percent of extraction cases. However, it does occur more commonly with wisdom tooth extractions. If you feel that you may be experiencing dry socket pain, look no further than Dr. Phillip Greer of Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, AL. Dr. Phillip Greer and staff can make sure that you get the proper treatment and care to cure your dry socket pains. 

Normally, when you have a tooth extracted a blood clot forms and protects the bone and nerves. If the blood clot is somehow removed, this is what causes dry socket and the reason you experience pain. To avoid losing your blood clot, you should avoid using a straw to drink, smoking, spitting, or smoking. If you do, however, lose your blood clot and dry socket forms, you should contact us here at Sweet Water Dentistry. We will irrigate the area, and pack in a “dry socket paste” which is used to replace the blood clot and helps protect the nerve and bone so that you can continue to heal without pain. Dry socket paste usually gives immediate relief when used. If you are unable to make it to the dentist, you can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines to alleviate pain until you heal.