Dry Socket Wisdom Teeth: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, typically emerge in your late teens or early adulthood. While there are lucky ones who get perfectly functional and properly aligned wisdom teeth, most have problems with them due to the lack of space in the mouth.

If the jaw is unable to fit the emerging wisdom teeth, they tend to erupt diagonally against the second molar or the cheek or they stay embedded in the bone. This is called impaction and can cause problems such as decay and infections. Other concerns associated with the wisdom teeth are pain and discomfort, crowding, and gum disease.

When these issues arise, dentists often recommend wisdom tooth removal to alleviate pain and prevent further dental problems. And, although this procedure is generally safe, one common complication that can occur post-extraction is a condition known as dry socket.

What is Dry Socket?

Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a severely painful dental condition that occurs after tooth extraction, particularly the wisdom teeth.

After getting a tooth removed, a blood clot will form over the wound. This is packed with nutrients that help accelerate the healing time of the extraction site. It also protects the bone and nerves underneath as you recover.

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot either fails to form, dislodges, or dissolves before the wound closes or properly heals. This will expose the underlying bone and nerve to bacteria and debris, causing wound infection.

Statistically, a dry socket occurs in less than 5% of the cases of wisdom tooth removal. This condition is accompanied by intense pain and will cause delayed healing. So, the problem must be addressed as soon as possible to get you back on the road to your recovery.

Causes of Dry Socket

The main cause of a dry socket is when the blood clot over the wound does not form or comes out. The clot is crucial to ensure ideal recovery after tooth removal. If disturbed, complications such as a dry socket will occur.

Some risk factors associated with dry socket include:

1. Trauma to the extraction site – Aggressive rinsing, spitting, or sucking actions can dislodge the blood clot. After your extraction, your dentist will advise you to avoid aggressively swishing your mouth rinse and using a straw as this can contribute to dry socket formation.
2. Smoking and tobacco use – Chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products can constrict the blood vessels and dry out the clot, increasing the risk of dry socket.
3. Poor oral hygiene – A good at-home hygiene routine is important to prevent bacteria build-up after tooth extraction. Not keeping the extraction site clean can lead to infection, which may interfere with the formation or maintenance of the blood clot.
4. Previous dental infection – Gum disease and other associated infections around the area mean increased bacteria count that can also lead to complications.
5. Hormonal factors – High estrogen levels from contraceptives or those undergoing hormonal changes have a higher risk of developing dry socket.
6. Previous history of dry socket – Individuals who have previously experienced dry socket are more likely to develop it again after future extractions and this can be because of poor post-extraction aftercare.
7. Traumatic extraction – A larger clot following a more extensive surgery may be harder to maintain, increasing the risk of dry socket formation.

Symptoms of Dry Socket

Recognizing the symptoms of dry socket is crucial for seeking timely treatment to resolve the condition properly. Following your wisdom tooth removal, the most common symptoms that you may experience are:

1. Severe pain – Intense pain is typically the most urgent concern with dry socket and this is because the bone and nerves underneath are exposed to air and debris. Pain begins two to four days after wisdom tooth extraction and may radiate to the ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side of the surgical area.
2. Visible bone – Upon mouth examination, the socket will appear empty and hollow. The bone may also be visible at the extraction site.
3. Bad breath and unpleasant taste – Foul odour and bad taste in the mouth are also some signs of a dry socket that happens due to the presence of bacteria.
4. Swollen lymph nodes and fever – In some cases, these systemic symptoms may appear as the infection becomes more widespread.

Urgent treatment and management improve your recovery time from the surgery and its associated complications. So, as soon as you feel any of the signs and symptoms listed above, contact your oral surgeon immediately for proper intervention.

Prevention of Dry Socket

While dry socket is not a very common concern following wisdom tooth removal, it can still occur and cause delayed healing. Avoid this problem, and other post-surgical complications with the following preventive tips:

• Prepare for your surgery. If you are dealing with generalized gum disease, you can get this treated first to help lower bacteria levels. This will decrease your risk for dry socket associated with poor oral health.
• Follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions, especially those that are concerned with maintaining the blood clot over the wound.
• Practice good oral hygiene to control bacteria that may affect your overall healing.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products at least a week after the extraction.

Treatment for Dry Socket

If you develop a dry socket, call your dentist immediately. Treatment options include:

1. Medicated dressings – These are packed firmly into the socket to soothe the pain and promote wound healing.
2. Pain management – Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with dry socket.
3. Irrigation – Your dentist may use a saline solution to flush out the socket and remove debris that can cause further infection.
4. Antibiotics – For more severe cases where infection and systemic symptoms, such as fever, are present, antibiotics can be prescribed to prevent widespread complications.
5. Self-care – Lastly, a proper at-home hygiene routine that involves rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic solution or warm salt water several times a day helps keep the area clean and reduces discomfort.

Key Takeaways – Dry Socket

One of the complications following wisdom tooth removal is dry socket. While it is quite rare to occur after surgery, understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures, can help minimize the risk of developing one.

And by following your dentist’s advice and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can navigate the post-extraction period with minimal to no discomfort and complications.

If you suspect you have a dry socket, seek prompt treatment with your oral surgeon. Contact us today to learn more!