{"id":239,"date":"2019-11-26T20:50:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-26T20:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/?p=239"},"modified":"2025-04-30T13:54:24","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:54:24","slug":"preventing-dry-socket-tooth-extraction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/preventing-dry-socket-tooth-extraction\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoiding Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction: 4 Important Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Resting<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Some discomfort\nafter a wisdom tooth extraction<\/a> is normal; you can usually expect it to\nstart getting better after a few days. However, if you\u2019re not careful, the\nrecovery process could suddenly become a lot more painful thanks to a dry\nsocket! This is when the protective blood clot that forms at the extraction\nsite is dislodged before the gums have healed, exposing the bone and nerves\nunderneath. Not only is this extremely uncomfortable, but it can extend\nrecovery time. Fortunately, you can protect your socket by following these 4\ntips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Do Not Use Straws for at Least Once Week<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time, dry socket is the result of the blood clot\nbeing moved somehow. When you use a straw, the suction movement of air in your\nmouth (as well as your cheek muscles) might remove the clot by accident. To be\nsafe, avoid straws altogether for at least a week after extraction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco of Any Kind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inhaling a cigarette can have a similar effect to sucking on\na straw; however, smoking or using other tobacco products can lead to further\ndamage because the chemicals they contain stop your gums from healing correctly\nand expose them to infection. Talk to your dentist about quitting smoking\nbefore and after the procedure; at minimum, you\u2019ll likely need to avoid tobacco\nproducts altogether for at least 48 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Eat Only Soft Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hard foods such as nuts, crunchy foods such as chips, and\nsticky foods such as caramel all have the potential to knock your blood clot\nout of its socket. You should choose soft foods for the first day of recovery; applesauce,\nyogurt, and mashed potatoes are all good options. Over time you can start\nreintroducing more solid foods into your diet, although you should go back to\nsofter foods if it hurts to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Harmful germs and bacteria in your mouth could break down\nthe blood clot, which is why you need to keep the socket (as well as the rest\nof your mouth) as clean as possible during your recovery. Your dentist will\ngive you instructions for brushing your teeth during this time. In many cases,\nthey might recommend simply rinsing the first day; you may be able to start\nbrushing on the second day, but you\u2019ll need to be very gentle so as not to\ndisturb the clot. Sometimes you might receive a prescription for antibacterial\nmouthwash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you think you have a dry socket, call your dentist\nimmediately; they\u2019ll normally be able to treat it by rinsing out the socket and\nusing appropriate medication. Act quickly to avoid the potential complications\nof dry socket so that you\u2019ll be able to eat and smile comfortably that much sooner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 21st Century Dental of Irving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At 21st Century Dental of Irving, you can take advantage of the skills and experience for three different dentists who all share the goal of exceeding patient expectations with high-quality dentistry. We can handle wisdom tooth extractions with ease and help you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. To schedule an appointment, visit our website<\/a> or call (972) 255-3712.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Some discomfort after a wisdom tooth extraction is normal; you can usually expect it to start getting better after a few days. However, if you\u2019re not careful, the recovery process could suddenly become a lot more painful thanks to a dry socket! This is when the protective blood clot that forms at the extraction site […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nAvoiding Dry Socket | Tooth Extraction in Irving | 21st Century Dental of Irving<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you want to avoid the pain of a dry socket after wisdom tooth extraction, then you should keep these 4 vital tips in mind.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/preventing-dry-socket-tooth-extraction\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Avoiding Dry Socket | Tooth Extraction in Irving | 21st Century Dental of Irving\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you want to avoid the pain of a dry socket after wisdom tooth extraction, then you should keep these 4 vital tips in mind.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/preventing-dry-socket-tooth-extraction\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"21st Century Dental of Irving | Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-11-26T20:50:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-30T13:54:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/AdobeStock_137439227__1575319383_17497.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"533\" \/>\n\t<meta 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