Is Dry Socked Considered a Dental Emergency?

One of the most important things you should do in order to have a brilliant smile is to pay attention to signs your body indicates. These signs can show very critical conditions that should be treated as soon as possible in case you don't neglect them. It helps you to prevent more severe issues requiring more complicated and costly treatments. It explains why regular examinations with your dental specialist are crucial, as they can help you detect signs you may not notice yourself. A dry socket is one of those critical situations that requires immediate emergency dental care from a professional. As a result, it's regarded as a dental emergency and you should immediately contact your dentist as soon as detecting any suspicious signs. It usually happens after a tooth removal and doesn't let your wounds heal properly. There are many important tips from emergency specialists you can try to prevent this circumstance in the first place or manage it when it occurs. Keep reading this article to learn why it is a dental emergency and how you can address it in the safest way possible.

What Is It?

A dry socket which is also known as a septic socket, is a very dangerous and emergency situation that can occur after having one of your teeth removed. As a professional dentist offering emergency dentistry in Vancouver describes, a dry socket is more common when it comes to wisdom teeth. Typically, a layer of blood costs accumulates after the extraction to protect that area and let your gums heal. A dry socket doesn't let this process complete, and that area remains unprotected. That's why the underlying nerves and bones get exposed to danger, and the possibility of dental emergencies increases. Moreover, a dry socket can be infected more easily since that empty area is an ideal place for good particles and bacteria to accumulate.

How to Treat It?

This condition is very likely to happen within 3 to 5 days after the dental extraction. There are some specific symptoms you should be careful about, including halitosis, slight fever, aches in the area, and a bad taste in the mouth. In case of experiencing such signs, it's very critical to visit an emergency specialist as soon as you can to prevent that condition from worsening. Your emergency dentist assesses your oral wellness and finds the best treatment plan according to your needs. Here is the most common method:

1. They completely clean the extraction site from any food particles and bacteria.

2. They use a special medicated paste to cover the dry socket.

3. This technique is effective for most patients, and the discomfort and aches will disappear within 24 hours after the procedure. Based on your condition, your dentist might suggest daily appointments to make sure everything is going alright and your recovery needs are met.

What Are Aftercare Instructions?

You still need to follow some specific instructions to prevent this problem from happening in the future.

• You should stop drinking alcohol or smoking.

• Try to drink plenty of water.

• Take all prescribed antibiotics and medicines your dentists prescribed for you.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your mouth disinfected.

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