Experiencing sharp pain after the extraction of a tooth is the most common indication that you’re experiencing a dry socket. The explicit and painful throbbing in the jaw typically develops within three days after having a tooth removed, but it can happen at any time.

Experiencing dry sockets is an uncomfortable experience and one that should be discussed with your dentist immediately if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

What Causes Dry Sockets

After having a tooth extracted, a protective blood clot should form in the vacant place. If the blood clot does not form correctly, a dry socket can develop. Dry sockets can also develop if the blood clot is dislodged from the gums.

A variety of conditions can lead to dry sockets.

Pre-Existing Conditions.

The typical tooth extraction healing time is from 2-7 days, depending on a person’s health. Pre-existing periodontal disease and pre-existing bacteria can prevent the proper formation of a blood clot.

Tobacco Use. 

The use of nicotine reduces blood supply, which can disallow a blot clot from correctly forming. Additionally, smoking or chewing tobacco can loosen a clot.

Infection. 

Infection after tooth extraction treatment is a likely cause. If you do not follow your dentist’s advice on oral hygiene, then this is likely to occur.

Using a Straw. 

Sucking through a straw or even aggressive chewing can dislodge a clot.

Early Warning Signs To Watch For

A certain level of pain or discomfort is to be expected after tooth extraction; however, the wound should continue to heal within the prescribed extraction healing timeline. Additionally, any discomfort should continue to decrease with each passing day.

The earliest warning signs of dry sockets typically appear as persistent pain that begins to increase after the second or third day following a tooth extraction. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort at this point in the healing process, contact your dentist to determine if you’re suffering from a dry socket.

Common early warning signs include:

• Experiencing a dull, throbbing, radiating pain that continues to increase with each passing day
• The jawbone being visible in the socket
• Surrounding tissues being gray instead of pink
• Persistent bad breath

Temporary Home Remedies For Associated Pain

Starting to feel an increase in pain each day after having a tooth extraction often means you have a dry socket. Always schedule an appointment with your dentist for the earliest date. In the meantime, these home remedies may provide some pain relief.

• Apply a cold compress to your jaw to help to mitigate pain.
• Use Tylenol or ibuprofen, or a combination of the two to reduce pain and discomfort.
• Gently swish with a warm salt water rinse to dislodge any debris from the socket.
• Use a local anesthetic spray like Lidocaine to numb the pain.
• Eat only liquid or soft foods and avoid chewing on the side where the dry socket is.
• Ty over the counter pain medication.
• Clove oil will work as a natural antiseptic and analgesic.

When To Seek Professional Help

All of the recommended at-home pain remedies mentioned should be considered as temporary solutions to dry sockets. If you’re experiencing this type of discomfort, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. Your provider will take special precautions to remove dead, decaying, or infected tissue, clean the socket with a jet of water and antibiotic mix and then apply a dressing. The dry socket healing timeline is about 10 days if you are in good health and do not have diabetes. You may have to get the dressing changed each day to contain infection after tooth extraction treatment.

Hinsdale Dentistry is here to help you heal as quickly as possible from dry sockets. Contact us right away if your tooth extractions aren’t healing as they should.