Tooth Extractions

Preventing Dry Socket

When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms shortly after the procedure – this is the beginning of the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has healed fully, this causes pain and is called dry socket.

6 tips for avoiding dry socket

1. Do not use straws or anything that creates a suction movement of air and cheek muscles.
2. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco as fast inhalation can dislodge your blood clot and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
3. Eat soft foods only like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first one or two days.
4. Inquire about any medicines you’re taking to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
5. Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean.
6. Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.

When and why are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to develop, and they grow in the very back of the mouth. In most cases, you will start to feel these teeth emerge when you are in your late teens or early twenties. Almost everyone has these teeth removed since they tend to grow at a severely slanted angle and will likely bump into other teeth and cause crowding. There is also very little space available for these teeth. Ultimately, about 85% of adults end up having their wisdom teeth removed.

What causes the need for tooth extraction?

A patient may need a tooth extracted when a tooth has become broken or damaged by decay. Other reasons for extractions include extra teeth growing in, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out, wisdom teeth and medical reasons.

What can I eat after tooth extraction?

It’s important to stick to soft foods for the first couple of days following your tooth extraction. You don’t want to disturb the blood clot that has formed, so some foods you can eat are:

• Applesauce
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Jello
• Pudding
• Ice cream