5445 Telegraph Road
Saint Louis, Missouri 63129
(314) 892 -2120
If you have had a tooth extraction in Oakville, MO it is imperative that you care for your mouth and socket properly following the procedure. Dr. Aaron Schertzer at Advanced Dental Arts strives to help all his patients recover fully from tooth extractions and other procedures. Keep reading to learn how to prevent a dry socket after an extraction.
A dry socket is a very painful condition that can develop following tooth extraction in Oakville, MO. When a tooth has been successfully extracted, a blood clot will form in the gums. This blood clot is very important in the healing process. If this blood clot comes out or is dislodged somehow, the very sensitive nerves inside the gums will be exposed. This can cause a lot of pain as well as increase the chances of infections. Keeping the blood clot safely in place is important. Let’s look at a few ways you can prevent a dry socket.
Sucking is one of the main ways a dry socket develops. When you suck on a straw you will cause a vacuum inside the mouth. The pressure of this can pull the blood clot out of your tooth socket. Instead of using straws, it is recommended that you only drink from a cup. Avoid straws or any drinking container that requires sucking.
Following a tooth extraction in Oakville, MO smoking should be avoided. Smoking requires the same sucking behavior as using a straw. Just like with a straw, the sucking can dislodge the blood clot. It is further recommended that a patient avoid all tobacco products following an extraction. Tobacco products and the chemicals in tobacco products reduce the body’s ability to heal properly.
Many dentists will also recommend that tobacco products not be used the days before a dental procedure as well.
For the first few days after your extraction, you will need to choose your foods carefully. Soft foods will be best. Applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and other soft foods are best. The reason for this is because you do not want anything hard or crunchy to get lodged into the tender tooth socket right after the extraction. This can be painful and can lead to infection. Soups may need to be avoided as well since people tend to suck or slurp when eating soup.
You should also be very careful concerning your oral hygiene right after tooth extraction in Oakville, MO. Poor oral hygiene could lead to infections. If you are in need of dental services, please contact Dr. Schertzer at Advanced Dental Arts. We will be happy to answer your questions and schedule you an appointment. Call 314-892-2120 today.