WHAT IS A DRY SOCKET IN KATY TX?

Dentists work very hard during and after any tooth extraction or removal to avoid a condition called a “dry socket.” A dry socket may occur in a small percentage of cases. The technical name for a dry socket is alveolar osteitis. When a tooth is extracted (removed), a blood clot normally forms in an effort to protect the nerve and bone tissue at the site of the extraction, during the entire healing process. If this clot dissolves, for whatever reason, before the site is completely healed, it will expose the very sensitive area below the area of the blood clot, making the socket very sensitive and vulnerable to bacteria and further damage. A “dry socket” can be extremely painful. A dry socket will usually expose the underlying jawbone and healing of the site will be delay.

In a very small number of cases of a tooth extraction, especially wisdom teeth extractions, a dry socket can occur. A dry socket requires immediate attention. Call your dentist immediately if you suspect you have a dry socket.

What are the symptoms and observable signs of a dry socket?

· Pain that may be intense or severe.

· If you feel or with a mirror observe a space that is essentially empty at the site of the tooth removal, and no blood clot at all.

· If you can visually see the bone at the site of the empty socket. What it will look like will be, instead of a dark blood clot, you will see bone that will look more or less white.

· A radiating pain from the socket to your eye, neck, or the temple of your head.

· An unpleasant odor or very “bad breath” emanating from your mouth

How is a dry socket treated and cured?

The first step is for the dentist to thoroughly clean the area of the dry socket to make sure there are no food particles or other kinds of debris. The dentist may also produce a gauze packing that is saturated with a medication to help heal the area and to numb the pain. This step alone, may resolve the problem.

Once the gauze packing is removed, the dentist may prescribe very gentle rinsing with salt water or other steps.

The important thing is to call your dentist immediately if you suspect a dry socket.