Osteitis or Dry socket

Dry socket, or osteitis, is the result of a blood clot that has formed over a tooth extraction, being removed and occurs in 5-10% of all tooth extractions.

When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms protecting the bone and nerve endings from potential bacterial problems.

The majority of dry sockets are from wisdom tooth and molar extractions and is more common in women whose estrogen levels are high.

Symptoms of dry socket
• Pain and discomfort are the most noticeable symptoms. The nerve endings and bone exterior becomes inflamed due to the exposure to bacterial infection creating a lot of pain. Typically the pain will begin one to two days after the extraction and gradually worsen over the nect two to five days.
• The patient experiences bad tastes often accompanied by a bad smell. This is due to the bacteria taking hold on the exposed areas.

Causes of dry socket
There are several reasons why blood clots are removed.
• Excessive spitting will loosen the blood clot.
• sucking air through the teeth or drinking trhough a straw can put pressure on the blood clot.
• Smoking: toxins in the smoke has an impact on blood flow and may affect the healing process
• Schedule dental visits between menstrual cycles.

Preventing dry socket
There is no treatment for dry socket as such, only prevention. The best way to prevent dry socket is to refrain from using the causes of osteitis.
If you have dry mouth symptoms, the dentist will rinse and clean the area thoroughly then fit a sedative soaked dressing over the bone and nerve endings. The dressings may need to be replaced on a daily basis until the area has healed.
Visit your dentist regularly to prevent dental problems occuring