Dry socket is a term used to describe one of the most common complication which occurs after tooth removal.
Patients who have had such an infection dread the thought of having another since the amount of suffering is much greater than would be expected from the size of the surgical site.
Dry sockets frustrate dentists as well since treatment is always symptomatic. In other words, treatment consists of trying to control the pain, which usually can last up to a week or so.
The cause of dry sockets has been elusive, and many theories exists; a bacterial infection has always been suspected. What is known is that the normal healing process is disrupted and delayed, thus leading to the loss, or lack of proper formation of a normal blood clot. Then the exposed bony socket can get infected.
Smoking has always been strongly linked to dry sockets since the smoke interferes with and can break down the clotting mechanism; it is therefore recommended not to smoke before and after dental surgery.
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Patients with poor oral hygiene who have developed gum disease, are also more likely to succumb to this painful condition.
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Some studies have linked dry sockets with oral contraceptives. There also appears to be a relationship with age.
Patients with poor oral hygiene who have developed gum disease, are also more likely to succumb to this painful condition.
Extracting an infected tooth also increases he likelihood of developing a dry socket. Finally, an extraction that is complicated surgically is more likely to lead to a dry socket due to increased trauma associated with the surgery.
Preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk, and rinsing immediately before surgery with an antibacterial mouth rinse such as .2% chlorhexidine has shown to be effective in several studies.
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Probably most important
to recognize, is the fact that
a strong bacterial link exists, and this basically translates into the simple reality that a clean
healthy mouth, free
of tobacco poisonous by- products, is at much lower
risk of developing a
dry socket infection.
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Furthermore, the use of systemic antibiotics before and after the surgery, can be considered for individuals at greater risk. Some studies have demonstrated that placing a small gelatin sponge soaked in antibiotics, into the socket after the removal, will significantly improve the chances of developing a dry socket.
Patients should not smoke for at least 24 hours after their surgery. Many smoke as soon as they leave the office and feel fine the next day only to be disappointed when a dry socket develops into symptoms several days later.
Probably most important to recognize, is the fact that a strong bacterial link exists, and this basically translates into the simple reality that a clean healthy mouth, free of tobacco poisonous by- products, is at much lower risk of developing a dry socket infection.
