Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful
dental condition that can occur after you have a permanent adult tooth
extracted. Dry socket is the most common complication following tooth
extractions, such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. If you develop dry
socket, the pain usually begins three to four days after your tooth is removed.
Normally, a blood clot forms at the site of a
tooth extraction. This blood clot serves as a protective layer over the
underlying bone and nerve endings in the empty tooth socket. The clot also
provides the foundation for the growth of new bone and for the development of
soft tissue over the clot.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the
site of the tooth extraction has been dislodged or has dissolved before the
wound has healed. Exposure of the underlying bone and nerves results in intense
pain, not only in the socket but also along the nerves radiating to the side of
your face.
Signs and symptoms
- Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction
- Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction
site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket
- Visible bone in the socket
- Pain that radiates from the socket to your ear, eye, temple or neck
on the same side of your face as the extraction
- Bad breath or a foul odor coming from your mouth
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes around your jaw or neck
- Slight fever
Remedies
for Dry Socket
1. Clove
Oil
Clove oil
has proved to be an effective treatment for dry socket. It can be applied
directly on the dry socket with the help of a cotton swab. To decrease the
sting of clove, first soak the cotton ball in the water and then, dip it in the
clove oil. Now, apply it on the dry socket. You can also apply it on the neighboring
aching teeth. Do it once or twice throughout a day.
2. Saline
Water
Gargling
with lukewarm water and salt also provide relief from the pain of dry socket.
3. Yogurt
Consume
yogurt a lot as it works as a natural antibiotic.
4. Ice
Pack
To prevent
the jaws from swelling, use ice pack on the dry socket.
5. Cold
Tea Bag
Take a cold
tea bag and press it with the help of your teeth on the region, which is
suffering intensely with pain. The tannic acid present in the tea relieves the
pain. This is an effective home treatment for dry socket.
6.
Turmeric Solution
Rinsing of
mouth with a pinch of turmeric in lukewarm water also provides relief
from the pain of dry socket.
7. Paste
of Dry Salt, Turmeric and Mustard Oil
The herbal
paste of turmeric, dry salt, and mustard oil can be applied directly on the
affected area. This gives immense relief and is considered to be one of the
excellent home remedies. It also helps in keeping good dental health.
8. Gauze
You can
nibble a damp piece of gauze to prevent saliva and air to expose directly to
the dry socket as they are known to intensify the pain.
9.
Peroxide Solution
Rinse your
mouth with peroxide solution to get an instant relief from pain. Remember not
to swallow the solution.
10.
Valerian Root
Valerian
root is considered to be one of the best natural tranquilizers. It relieves the
patient from excessive pain, anxiety, and stress, caused due to the dry socket.
It also speeds up the healing process.
11. Lemon
and Salt
The mixture
of salt and lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and prevents further infection
in the dry socket. Apply this mixture on the gums. You can also drink fresh
lemon juice. Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C that helps in quick
healing of the problem.
12.
Remain Hydrated
Intake
plenty of liquid to keep yourself hydrated. It helps in preventing giddiness
and pain, caused due to the dry socket.
Prevention
from Dry Socket
Certain
measures should be taken to prevent dry sockets. They are:
- Avoid the smoking.
- Avoid chewing tobacco.
- Maintain the oral hygiene to heal the
problem of dental dry socket.
- Do not touch the wound with fingers
and other objects.
- Keep yourself well hydrated.
- Rest well.
- Do not use straw for drinking any
beverage.
- Eat soft food products.
- Do not overlook to take the complete
course of antibiotics.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
A certain degree of pain and
discomfort is normal after a tooth extraction. However, you should be able to
manage normal pain with the pain reliever prescribed by your dentist or oral
surgeon, and the pain should lessen with time. If you develop new or worsening
pain in the days after your tooth extraction, contact your dentist or oral
surgeon immediately.