Can Dry Socket Heal On Its Own?

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A dry socket, also known as ”Alveolar osteitis,” is a common complication of tooth extraction, especially after removing a wisdom tooth. After the tooth is removed, a blood clot is formed at the site of extraction. Failure of this blood clot formation can lead to a dry socket, exposing underlying nerves and bone and causing severe pain and discomfort.

What Does a Dry socket look like?

Unlike healthy socket filled with blood clot, Dry socket might look like

  • Empty due to missing of blood clot
  • The underlying bone is visible 
  • has a whitish or greyish appearance
dry socket pictures

Can dry socket heal on its own?

Yes, dry socket will heal on its own with time usually in seven to ten days because our body has a natural healing ability that will eventually covers the exposed bone and nerves in the socket with new tissue.However, seeking medical help can further ease the symptoms.

Causes of Dry socket

The most common causes of Dry socket are :

  • Smoking
  • Drinking with a straw causes dislodgement of clot at the tooth extraction site
  • Traumatic extraction
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Previous history of dry socket
  • Oral contraceptive pills can also interfere with routine healing  

How to prevent dry socket ?

You can avoid dry socket after extraction by

  • Following the dentist’s instructions carefully 
  • Eating soft food for a few days
  • Avoiding drinking with a straw 
  • Swishing gently with mouthwash
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene

How to treat Dry Socket?

Treatment of the Dry socket involves reducing pain and promoting healing. Your Dentist will

  • Clean the area to remove debris or food particles within the hole, reducing pain and discomfort.
  • Place a medicated dressing in the socket to cover and heal the area. This dressing may be replaced every few days until the symptoms improve.
  • Prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Antibiotics in case of infection 

How long does dry socket take to heal?

Healing time for dry sockets varies, but with proper care and treatment, symptoms will start to improve within a few days, and complete healing will occur within seven to ten days. In-home care, salt water rinse, and prescribed mouthwash can further aid in healing.

Summary

A dry socket is an an extremely painful complication of tooth extraction in 2 to 5% of cases. It can usually heal on its own, but it is essential to see your Dentist to aid in healing and to reduce your symptoms and risk of further infection.