Osteitis - Dry Socket

Osteitis or ‘dry socket’ is a condition which can affect 5% of tooth extractions. What happens is that a blood clot present in the empty socket, breaks apart which prevents the socket from healing.

When a tooth is removed a blood clot immediately forms in the socket which is crucial for the healing process. This clot not only stops any bleeding but also lays the groundwork for new tissue and bone to form.

If this clot is broken then this exposes the nerve endings and bone of the socket to air, food and fluids which can result in an infection. It also disrupts the healing process.

What can cause dry socket?

Forcefully rinsing your mouth out after an extraction, spitting, touching the extraction site and drinking liquids through a straw can cause this problem. Smoking is another factor.

If you develop a cold or some other type of upper respiratory infection then try to avoid excessive sneezing or blowing your nose violently. These actions can dislodge the blood clot.

Sometimes, a dry socket can occur for no obvious reason.

What are the symptoms of dry socket?

If you suffer from ear ache, a swollen jaw and pain in the treated area then you probably have dry socket. If you do have these symptoms then contact your dentist immediately.

How is it treated?

Treatment for dry socket can involve the placing of a gauze dressing over the socket, clove oil and medication to relieve the pain. Patients find that the gauze dressing eases any pain within 10 minutes of application.

This will not only soothe the pain but will allow the socket time to heal.

The gauze dressing is the dissolvable type so will not require any aftercare.