Tooth extraction is the process of removing teeth when there is severe decay, infection, or a wisdom tooth. 

When you get your tooth removed, you may experience a dry socket. A dry socket means that there is no blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction, as there should be. 

The bones and nerve endings will also be exposed, which increases the chances of swelling. When a tooth is extracted, the blood clot is needed to provide the site with a healing process. 

When you have a dry socket, you will likely experience extreme pain, which usually starts during the initial days of extraction. There is also a chance that the space will get filled with bits of food, which can make the pain worse. Dry sockets are generally seen when wisdom tooth removal is needed. 

For people in Kokomo, it is essential to know what treatment options they have in case of a dry socket after a tooth removal. You can go to the Kokomo dental office to get started with treatment before it worsens even more. 

Common symptoms and causes of a dry socket. 

Symptoms of a dry socket  Causes of a dry Socket 
Experiencing extreme pain within two-three days of removal.  Attack of bacteria at a socket where the extraction of tooth took place. 
There is no blood clotting at the site of extraction at all.  Injury at the site of surgery. It can be due to improper positioning of the wisdom tooth. 
Experiencing bad breath and bad taste after removal.  Taking high doses of birth control pills (increases estrogen level in women) during the healing process of the tooth extraction. 

What are the treatment options for a dry socket?

  • Seek treatment from a professional 

If you notice any symptoms, such as pain on the same side of your tooth extraction that extends to your ear, temple, etc., you need to seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can further escalate the problem. 

Furthermore, if you have tried taking medication to ease the pain and it has not worked out for you, then it can again be a sign of an underlying condition. A professional dentist can help you clean the socket. 

  • The dentist might use gauze on the affected to manage the pain. 
  • Book more appointments to ensure that the healing process is taking place rightly so. 
  • If things do not work, further surgical intervention might be needed. 
  • The dentist might also prescribe you more potent doses of painkillers. 

  • Managing pain with home remedies might come in handy. 

Some home remedies can be used until you see a professional. Patients can use cold pressers on the affected side of the face to lessen the pain. Rinsing the affected area with salt water can also be of help, especially in keeping infections away and elevating discomfort as well. 

  • Use medications such as ibuprofen to control the pain. 
  • If you notice swelling on the same side of the face as the tooth extraction, apply a cold presser there. 
  • Drink a lot of water to expedite the process of healing. 
  • Do not have food items that can irritate you. 

What to expect during the healing process?

If you know what to expect from the healing process of a dry socket, you can be less worried and at peace. The process can take a few weeks to complete. 

  • You will experience pain in your initial days of healing. 
  • It is normal and will start to go away gradually. 
  • It should not take you more than two weeks to recover completely. 
  • Be patient; the healing is gradual. 
  • Make sure you are taking care of your oral hygiene during your healing process.

Adhere to all the instructions, and your healing process will be seamless.