The Dry Socket
Even though they aren’t life threatening like bleeding or abscesses, dry sockets can be extremely painful. They are very common following surgery, and happen to be one of the most painful post extraction problems. Dry sockets are more common with removal of the lower teeth than they are with removal of upper teeth. No matter what type of extraction you have performed, a dry socket can occur with any type.
Although there is really no way to prevent a dry socket, you can help to reduce the risk by following your after surgery directions. Even though you may be following the directly precisely, you could still end up with a dry socket. They are known as a quirk of nature, and will make you feel like you are on your death bed - although you really aren’t. Those who are more at risk to dry sockets include those who smoke following extractions, and those who like to grind their teeth frequently.
A dry socket is a condition where the blood clot that forms after an extraction detaches itself from the socket walls. Sometimes, the clot will dissolve, leaving the bone exposed to food, the weather, and even saliva. Once the bone is exposed, it can become inflamed. The inflammation that occurs is very painful, often times being a deep pain that makes you feel as if you are dying.
If you leave it alone, the dry socket will heal. It will normally take around a month or so, although the pain won’t let up during the healing period. If you have a dry socket, you’ll find that antibiotics and even the strongest of prescription drug won’t cure it. An antibiotic will normally cure infections, although a dry socket isn’t considered to be an infection.
The best way to fight a dry socket is to go back to your dentist and have him pack the socket. Packing the socket is done without any anesthesia and can be quite painful. It doesn’t take long to complete, and it can provide relief from the pain. Once you have a dry socket, you won’t care about anything but stopping the pain. The pain can be so intense at times that you will be willing to do anything to stop the pain - even for a few minutes.
Once the socket has been packed, you will be relived from pain for a day or so. If you go back to your dentist, he will remove the old packing, wash the socket out, and place a new packing in. This way, you can get relief from the pain and help the socket heal. Keep in mind that it will take time to heal - and the best way to stop the pain is to do your best to avoid a dry socket at all costs.
kristen said,
January 2, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
I am generally not one to post up comments online… HOWEVER… After discovering this I had to post it up, in hopes that it would help someone out.
About 2 hours ago I was busy scouring the internet for any glimmer of hope for dry socket relief. It was the most painful thing that I have ever felt. I was taking Vicodin ES, alternating with Tylenol 3 and taking an antibiotic. Even still, the pain was not subsiding. I was using ice packs, warm rags and rinsing with salt water - - nothing helped.
I finally came across this forum (and several others) that discussed the use of Clove Oil. I was hesitant at first, because I was certain that my dentist would have informed me of something that could provide immediate comfort from this horrific pain. My mouth had been throbbing for 2 days, and while the dentist packing my socket didn’t hurt, it didn’t help much either.
So, I set out to Whole Foods to pick up a bottle of Clove Oil (which was called Clove Extract at the store). I came home and rinsed my mouth out again with salt water. Then I took the dropper out of the clove oil bottle and rinsed it. I filled a glass with luke warm water, and began sucking the water from the glass up into the dropper, and shooting it into my socket. I was very surprised to see the amount of debris that was coming out. As gross as it sounds, the rinsing alone was not getting to the bottom of the socket, and slimy debris was stuck down inside.
Once finished with the socket cleaning (took about 15 minutes), I first tried to pack the socket in with a cotton swab and gauze, but it was causing pressure- and it hurt. So, I took the Clove Oil, and put about 2 drops into the socket.
About 5 minutes later, R E L I E F!!!!
I could not believe it! Not only did the horrible pain because a barely noticeable soreness, but it lasted! It has been over an hour and a half, I have not added any more clove oil, and I am nearly pain free!
IF YOU HAVE DRY SOCKET, PLEASE TRY THIS. It is important to clean out the socket more thoroughly than just rinsing. Apply a couple drops of the clove and you will not regret it.
I am so glad that I stumbled upon this advise. Thank you, and I apologize for the rambling!!