To be worried that I'm now going to get dry socket?

[DrRanj]

I had a single wisdom tooth out today, it wasn't infected or anything, but it had grown at a funny angle and was chaffing on my cheek and had become more sore recently so the dentist said today the only way to improve things was to take it out - so I went for it!

Took 5 mins, didn't hurt and have been taking painkillers (paracetamol and brufen) regularly so has been no more sore than it was before due to my cheek.

Only after care advice dentist gave me was not to do any sports and to bite down on the gauze for 10-15 mins. Bled for a while but not excessively. Didn't bother with lunch but ate normally for dinner - pasta with a couple of biscuits for afters.

So as I was not taking any strong painkillers, I settled down with a large glass (just the one) of Pinot Grigio seeing as I broke up today from uni.

I had pretty much finished it before it occured to me to look online just to check if alcohol is ok - and it is a resounding NO! Also apparently there are lots of other things you should/shouldn't do in order to ensure a clot forms to prevent dry socket. You should not swill water around your mouth and spit - but I did this lots today, you should only eat soft food - didn't do this. You should not poke it with your tongue - been doing this all day as the hole feels funny...

If I had a clot there it had probably well and truly dislodged!

I'm bound to get dry socket aren't I? I am otherwise quite healthy and don't smoke...

And I know I should have posted this in health, but it is sooo slow there and I am worried!

Eeewww!

Hi

Alcohol and exercise will make the socket bleed more which is why you should avoid them for 24 hours after extraction to allow the clot to form. Avoid aspirin as a pain killer as this will also make it bleed. If it does start bleeding bite down hard on a clean piece of gauze or cotton handkerchief constantly for 10 minutes. If it doesn't stop try again with a new piece if gauze/handkerchief. If it is still bleeding call the dentist for an emergency appointment.

Dry sockets are most common in people who smoke and those who have had difficult extractions.

Warm salty mouthwashes should be used after every meal 24 hours after the procedure and keep the area as clean as you can without disturbing the site.

Dry sockets are quite rare, but very painful. If you do get one it is easily treated with a course of antibiotics and a disinfectant dressing usually.

Fingers crossed you'll be ok, by the sounds of it you will be.

X

As someone said above you would know if you had dry socket, I've had it twice now :( all 4 wisdom teeth have now been removed.

I followed all the advice carefully on all four but i think to this day it was something the dentist did. The latest two I had out through another dentist and they were fine.

Can i go for a 5 k walk this morning? I can take it easy....

I had dry socket after wisdom tooth removal and I followed all the advice it is more common in the bottom tooth and the top one I had removed at same time was fine.

It was the most painful thing ever and I ended up in a and e but mine was removed at the hospital so not a straightforward thing. On the plus side there are no lasting affects but the pain started a few days after extraction so if that happens then see your dentist immediately!

Yes, you can walk! I've just had four teeth out and was equally paranoid about getting dry socket. Lots of good advice above, but no need to change your life lots. I went for a run the day after my extractions last week.

Just be careful when eating and cleaning your teeth, and no poking with your tongue!

Well I normally run so I thought walking would be the conservative option!

Thanks all for the info - it is so not sore, it almost feels like I have had nothing done, although I am keeping myself topped up with painkillers. I'm guessing this is a good sign because if there was no clot there the nerve would be more exposed right?!

Anyway thanks all and have a lovely Xmas!

Glad to hear it's getting better. Keep being sensible and I'm sure you'll be fine

When I had dry socket the packing kept falling out - so I just used clove oil. You can buy it from the chemist and squirt it in with a syringe (no needle needed!) - it numbs it for hours!