Preventing Dry Sockets
Dry socket is a common post-operative condition following the extraction of a tooth. The incidence is particularly higher following surgical extraction of mandibular third molars (lower wisdom teeth) . Cause of this is not completely understood and a bacterial component may be involved. Symptoms include dull, aching , throbbing pain that often begins on the third or fourth day following the removal of the teeth. Bad odor in the site of extraction. Pain radiating to the ear or the eye on the affected side and looking at the socket reveals there are little or no blood clots. The empty space reveals some bony surfaces. At our Bellevue cosmetic dental office our goal is prevention and Dr. Samsavar knows that studies confirm usefulness of preoperative and post-operative rinse of .12% chlorohexidine reduces the incidence of dry socket. Rinsing at the day of surgery and for several days afterwards is a good guideline. No smoking and keeping a good oral hygiene during the healing time is also important.
