Following a tooth extraction, we encourage you to take proper care of the treatment site in order to promote and protect the formation of the blood clot, which is needed to heal the area. When a blood clot in the mouth becomes dislodged, it can expose the bone and nerves at the extraction site, resulting in pain and and infectious situation known as dry socket. Our team offers up some general guidelines for knowing the signs and possible treatments of dry socket.

Signs You Developed Dry Socket
It’s easy to know if you have dry socket since it causes severe pain, but there are additional signs of a dry socket, including:

– A visible loss or dislodgement of the blood clot
– A persistent bad taste or bad breath
– Exposed jawbone where the tooth was removed
– Swollen lymph nodes around the jaw and neck
– Fever following tooth extraction

Remedies For Dry Socket
If you have noticed signs of a dry socket, contact our oral surgeon right away to discuss your options for dry socket treatment to address pain and infection. These can include:

– Flushing any food or debris from the socket area
– Applying medicated dressings every day until the pain and socket heal
– Taking ibuprofen, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory drugs

To learn more about how to treat dry socket in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or to speak with Dr. Daniel Cannon about a tooth extraction question, please call Cannon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 918-743-1351 today.