Dry socket is a condititon which can develop because of inflammation in the open tooth socket of the jawbone after a tooth has been extracted .Mostly it is occur after an extraction of tooth (third molars).

Causes of dry socket

After the extraction of tooth ,some blood clots are formed .These blood clots promotes healing ,laying the foundation for the development of new bone tissue. When this blood clot is lost and an empty inflamed socket appears then dry socket occurs. There are many reason for loss of this blood clot (after removal o the tooth).Forceful spitting, smoking, coughing or sneezing are some common reason.

Signs and symptoms

Until three to five days after the extraction, you may not have symptoms. The rigorous pain is the first symptoms of dry socket. Bad breathe and an unpleasant taste is some other symptoms of dry socket.You may also have some swelling around the extraction site.

Treatment for dry socket

it is very difficult to cure the dry socket. To treat the dry socket mouth rinses, antibiotics, even surgical intervention can be used. To control pain by analgesics, treatment of dry is done. Warm saline rinse is useful to remove food debris. In the treatment of dry socket, to protect and repair the socket dressing is useful. Zinc oxide dressing and commercial dressings are also available in international market. Antibiotic therapy can be used if needed.The problem of dry socket can be reduced with these precautions and treatment.

Prevention

After extraction of tooth, you should take fallowing precautions.
1) Always keep your fingers and tongue away from the removal site.
2) Avoid taking carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
3) After extraction of your tooth, apply an ice pack to your jaw (for the first 24 hours).by doing this you will not feel any pain or swelling.
4) Avoid washing your mouth the day of surgery.