When you visit your dentist in Franklin, MA, you hope they tell you that your teeth look great and that there aren’t any dental concerns. However, that isn’t always the case. If you find out you need to have a tooth extracted, you will want to be sure you understand what a dry socket is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
What Is a Dry Socket?
After you’ve had a tooth extracted, a blood clot naturally forms. However, if that blood clot should come loose before your jaw has healed, your nerve endings and bone are exposed. This is known as a dry socket. Symptoms of a dry socket include:
- Pain in your jaw, ears, or head
- Headaches or dizziness
- A visible hole in your jaw
- Bad breath
- Infection or fever
Dry Socket Prevention
To prevent a dry socket from forming, your dentist in Norfolk, MA, recommends that you follow these instructions:
- Avoid using a straw for at least two days.
- Wait to spit for at least two days.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco for at least two days.
- Avoid brushing the area where your tooth was extracted for at least three to four days.
- Eat soft foods for around a week.
- Avoid crunchy foods for two weeks.
Dry Socket Treatment
Pain and bleeding are not normal after a tooth extraction, so if you are experiencing the symptoms of a dry socket, here is what you can do to treat the discomfort it can cause:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Use a cold pack or a warm cloth on the outside of your mouth.
- Use clove oil to numb your mouth.
- Use tea tree oil to help you heal.
- Soak a cotton ball in honey and place it on your extraction site.
- Place a black tea bag over the extraction site.
- Take over-the-counter medications to help with the pain and swelling.
- Call Norfolk County Dental Care. We are here for you!
Do You Need a Dentist in Franklin, MA?
If you are looking for a dentist in Medfield or a dentist in Wedway, Norfolk County Dental Care is ready to help! Our dental team is focused on providing compassionate care to all our patients, so if you need dental treatment, please get in touch with us. Our number is (508) 528-6510.