If your teenager has just had his or his wisdom teeth removed, then some soreness and swelling are to be expected. For most, the discomfort decreases, and in a matter of a few days to a week they are back to their normal selves. However, what if the extraction site is too painful? In that case, bring your child back to the dentist immediately. They may have developed a dry socket in DuPont. Read on to learn more about this condition, what can be done and how to prevent a dry socket from happening.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Socket?
After wisdom teeth are extracted, blood clots form at the surgical sites. These clots are a lot like scabs on the skin and are there to protect the bone underneath and support healing. Sometimes, however, a clot does not form or becomes dislodged. In this case, the bone and nerve are exposed, which is very painful.
Other symptoms of dry socket are:
- Pain in other areas of the face, including the neck, ear, eye or temple
- A low-grade fever or swollen glands
- A sour taste in the mouth and bad breath
- A socket that looks empty or even shows bone at the extraction site
How Is Dry Socket Treated?
Dry socket usually occurs within a few days of wisdom tooth extraction. If your son or daughter is experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then it’s time for children’s dentistry in DuPont.
Treating dry socket usually involves rinsing the socket with saline to remove any trapped particles of food and built up bacteria. Then, the socket is packed with a medicated dressing to protect the surrounding tissue and bone. This will need to be changed out after a few days.
Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication and an antibiotic to prevent infection. Follow instructions on how to care for the surgical site, and dry socket should be healed in a week to 10 days.
How Can I Prevent Dry Socket?
To prevent dry socket from happening in the first place, make sure your child:
- Does not use a straw, because suction could disturb the blood clot
- Does not smoke or use tobacco, because inhaling might also dislodge the clot, and the chemicals in tobacco impede healing
- Sticks to a diet of soft foods for the first few days after surgery
- Follows the special instructions they were given for oral hygiene, and make sure they are careful not to disturb the extraction site
Despite these precautions, your teenager may still have a dry socket. If they are in pain or are experiencing any of the other symptoms, call your dentist right away to schedule an appointment.
Say Hello to Dupont Family Dentistry
At Dupont Family Dentistry, our team is dedicated to taking care of children’s smiles at all ages of development. If you have a teenager that has recently had wisdom tooth extraction, then be on the lookout for signs of dry socket. If they are in severe pain, make an appointment today with your dentist in DuPont immediately.