Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications - Dry Socket

If you have a dry socket you should discuss with your oral surgeon steps to improve it. If you haven't already made an appointment do so.

1. Your oral surgeon will wash out the extraction site and place a medicated dissolvable sponge into the socket. The dressing is usually removed and replaced every 24 to 48 hours until the symptoms start to go away. This usually is around 3 to 6 days. Also, make sure you get a small syringe that you can use to clean food out of the holes in your gums. This will help with the pain.

2. Go to a pharmacy and buy some Advil or Tylenol or take other painkillers.

3. Don't smoke and be prepared if you decide to go out.

4. It may take several days before symptoms start to improve. It is important to stay in contact with you oral surgeon during this time.

Dry sockets are the reason as to why oral surgeons may place a patient on antibiotics before and/or after getting their wisdom teeth out. New evidence suggests that a single dose of antibiotics before surgery is probably more effective than taking several days of antibiotics after the surgery is completed.

If you do have a dry socket develop, your oral surgeon may give you antibiotics.

There is speculation that women taking oral contraceptives are at increased risk for dry socket formation. Research suggests that smokers are at increased risk. Impacted lower wisdom teeth have the greatest incidence of dry socket formation.

References

1. SurgeryEncylopedia