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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffSteps that both you and your dentist or oral surgeon take may go a long way in helping prevent dry socket or helping reduce your risk.
What your dentist or oral surgeon can do
Although dry socket has been recognized since the late 1800s, medical science has yet to develop a surefire way to prevent it. Some research suggests that treatment with certain medications such as antibiotics before or after oral surgery may reduce your risk of dry socket. However, this practice remains controversial, and some say that preventive treatment with antibiotics isn't appropriate because it may contribute to problems such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Talk to your dentist and oral surgeon about using these medications or precautions when you have tooth extraction surgery:
- Antibacterial mouthwashes or gels immediately before and after surgery
- Oral antibiotics
- Antiseptic solutions applied to the wound
- Medicated dressings applied after surgery
What you can do before tooth extraction surgery
- Seek out a dentist or oral surgeon with experience in tooth extractions.
- If you take oral contraceptives, try to time your extraction to days 23 to 28 of your menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are lower.
- Stop smoking and the use of other tobacco products at least 24 hours before tooth extraction surgery.
- Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about any prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you're taking, as they may interfere with blood clotting.
What you can do after tooth extraction surgery
- Avoid spitting for the first few days.
- Don't drink with a straw for the first few days.
- Don't drink carbonated beverages for two to three days after your tooth extraction.
- Gently brush teeth adjacent to the extraction site.
- Don't rinse your mouth vigorously or excessively.
- Resist the urge to touch the extraction site with your fingers or tongue.
- Eat soft foods and foods that don't have residuals, which are particles that may lodge in your socket. Avoid pasta, popcorn and peanuts, for example. Instead, eat mashed potatoes, pudding, or clear or cream soups.
- Adeyemo WL, et al. Clinical evaluation of post-extraction wound site healing. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. 2006;7(3):40-49.
- Roberts JR, et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2004.
- Neville BW, et al. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:150-153.
- Hita-Iglesias P, et al. Effectiveness of chlorhexidine gel versus chlorhexidine rinse in reducing alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2008;66:441-445.
- Noroozi A, et al. Modern concepts in understanding and management of the "drysocket" syndrome: Comprehensive review of the literature. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology & Endodontics. In press. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
