Many people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted in their teens or early twenties. This is sometimes a choice personally made, but more times than not, it is by doctor recommendation. Wisdom teeth are rear molars that often come in with higher risk of being impacted or trapped under other teeth, unable to break through. Dr. Craig Theide and the team and SoCal Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery offer tooth extraction procedures to prevent any troubles associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Most extractions go smoothly, but like any procedure, a complication can sometimes arise. One complication connected to wisdom teeth removal are dry sockets.
How do Dry Sockets Occur?
A dry socket occurs when a blood clot that would usually fill the extraction hole does not. This leaves the extraction open, and sensitive because nerve endings are exposed. When a blood clot does not form properly in the opening from removal of the wisdom tooth, it is generally around three to four days post-surgery. Symptoms to notice that you may have a dry socket include bad odor and pain that begins at the surgery site.
Is a Dry Socket Permanent?
A dry socket is not a permanent condition and can be fixed with medicine. If it is left untreated, your symptoms and the dry socket may get worse, so seek doctor attention at the start of your pain. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner the pain will dissipate.
What Can You Do to Treat a Dry Socket?
If you are experiencing pain that is moderate to severe after your wisdom tooth removal surgery, you should check in with Dr. Theide. Typically, after your surgery, you will go to follow up visits to ensure everything is healing properly at the point of extraction. If you are suffering from pain, treatment of a dry socket will involve medication provided by your doctor.
Where Can You Learn More?
If you believe you could be a candidate for undergoing wisdom teeth removal, see your doctor to set up a consultation and future appointment for the removal. Remember, as with any surgery, wisdom teeth removal can involve complications. Seeking treatment from a qualified professional can lower the risks of these complications occurring. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.
Dr. Theide and his team will be happy to help you figure out your next dental steps.