Dry Socket

What is Dry Socket?

After a tooth is pulled out (extraction) from the bone, a blood clot typically forms.  As with any other scar on the body, the blood clot is the first step to healing and serves as a framework for the replacement tissue (bone, etc).  But sometimes, this blood clot can be removed too early!  This condition, called alveolar osteitis, significantly delays healing and be an uncomfortable and painful condition.

Dry socket occurs in about 1-3% of extractions and 25-30% of surgical extractions (used if you had an impacted tooth).

Signs of Dry Socket

Most symptoms for dry socket occur a couple of days after the extraction and can last for up to 40 days if not treated.

Symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the area of the extraction
• Dull, aching pain that radiates to the ear
• Swelling around the tissues in the area
• Foul mouth odor (bad breath)
• Foul taste
• Swollen lymph nodes (only happens occasionally)

Causes of Dry Socket

• Most often unpredictable and not related to a specific cause
• Excessive trauma during the extraction
• Patients on birth control have a higher chance of dry socket
  • If you are on birth control, it’s best to have an extraction performed between days 23 to 28 of your menstrual cycle (days without estrogen supplementation)
• Smoking
• A history of dry socket in the past
• Not following the post-op instructions given to you by the dentist/staff

Treatment for Dry Socket

• Return to the dentist as soon as you experience this pain.  The following steps will be taken:
• The socket will be rinsed out to remove extra debris
• The dentist will insert medicated gauze into the opening.  The medicated gauze contains:
  • Eugenol
  • Topical anesthetic
• You will be advised to change the gauze every 24 hours for the next 3 days.
• Then change the gauze every 2-3 days until the clot forms and you do not experience anymore pain

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Signs of Gingivitis

Gum disease, known as gingivitis (or it’s more severe form, periodontitis), refers to the inflammation of the gums (gingiva).  It results from accumulation of bacteria near the gum line, causing bacterial invasion into the tissues of the body.  If not addressed and treated, gingivitis will lead to recession of the gums, bone loss, tooth loss, and systemic disease.

Signs of Gingivitis

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing)
• Shiny or red gums
• Associated pain
• Bad breath or foul smelling gums
• Gum recession (teeth appear longer)

Causes of Gingivitis

• Most often caused by plaque accumulation and poor oral hygiene habits
• Hormonal changes (i.e. pregnancy)
• Certain medications that may suppress the immune system

Gingivitis is a mild form of inflammation.  Unlike it’s more serious form, periodontitis, gingivitis can be treated quickly and easily if addressed in a timely fashion.

Treatment for Gingivitis

• Improve oral hygiene habits – Brush after each meal and floss every day.  If this regimen is followed precisely, the bleeding will eventually stop.
• Incorporate a mouth rinse, preferably with chlorohexidine, into your daily routine.  This can assist with the removal of unwanted bacteria.
• Visit the dentist and get a cleaning – The dentist will be able to effectively remove plaque and calculus, the main causes of gingivitis.  However, it’s up to you to maintain the plaque free mouth after this point.
• Antibiotics – If serious, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the bacterial invasion.

All in all, gingivitis can easily be managed if addressed early.  Take the right steps in keeping up with your oral hygiene to maintain a healthy smile.

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Dealing with Dental Phobia

Do you fear going to the dentist, or even the thought of making an appointment with the dentist?  Has your mouth and oral hygiene been neglected as a result of this fear? Believe it or not, many of us deal with some type of stress anxiety or fear when it comes to the care of our teeth, especially when we don’t really know or understand the type of treatment needed.

Most dental fears develop as a result of a direct experience. Meaning, you have had a traumatic or uncomfortable experience with a dental procedure in the past.  Oftentimes, people let that bad experience prevent them from going back to the dentist.  Because of this, their oral hygiene suffers, resulting in embarrassment, and systemic problems.

Keep in my mind that each dentist is different!  Some may be gentler than others.  Be sure to thoroughly research your dentist before making an appointment.

Here are some tips for dealing with dental stress, fear, or anxiety:

• RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!! – Anxiety is usually caused by the unknown.  If you are unfamiliar with a procedure or a term that the dentist uses, look it up.  There are a ton of resources on the internet (including this one) that are meant to help educate patients about procedures.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist or dental hygienist questions. - Never feel intimidated by the dentist or any healthcare provider.  Our job is to make you feel comfortable, and more importantly, to ensure that you understand any and everything dealing with your mouth.
• Ask for sedation – Many offices offer light sedation.  If dealing with the procedure is just too much, just ask to be sedated.
• Try some relaxation techniques – For instance, before the procedure, take 3 deep breaths.  Slowly in, and slowly out.  Close your eyes and slowly relax your body.  Take your mind away from the current situation.
• Bring your I-pod or mp3 player to the appointment – Music has astonishing neurological effects on the brain.  If you need music to help relax, don’t hesitate to bring it with you.  Actually, many offices will provide you with music, movies, television, and virtual reality goggles, to help distract you and ease the tension.
• Ask for topical anesthetic – Make sure the dentist applies topical anesthetic before administering general anesthetic with the needle.  Topical anesthetic is gently massaged in your mouth with a q-tip.  This lightly numbs the area so that you won’t feel the needle as much.

Have more questions?  Feel free to leave a commit or submit a question to be included in our FAQ’s.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, is a fairly common condition that affects a majority of the adult population (estimates range up to 85%).  It usually occurs at night and the individual is completely unaware that he or she is grinding his teeth.  Unfortunately, this bad habit can lead to a host of other dental problems.

How would I know if I grind my teeth?

• Teeth appear worn down or damaged
• Enamel has been worn down exposing a yellow layer (dentin)
• Experience headaches or migraines in the morning or right after waking up
• Frequent earaches
• Ringing in the ears, especially in the morning
• Sensitive teeth
• Have a loved one observe you in your sleep, grinding of the teeth will occur quite frequently throughout the night
• Facial Pain

What causes bruxism?

Causes of bruxism are still under investigation.  However, the most common causes are as follows:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Alcohol
• Sleep disorders
• Malocclusion

How can I treat bruxism?

Effective treatment is still in the research phase.  The best way to prevent and control grinding of the teeth is to wear a nightguard.  This can be purchased over the counter or provided by your dentist.  Also, try to find ways to reduce the amount of stress in your life.  Activities such as deep breathing and yoga have found to be successful in reducing one’s stress level.

Please do not hesitate to visit the dentist if you suspect brusixm.  Grinding of the teeth can lead to several other dental problems including TMJ issues, the need for fillings, crowns, root canals, bridges, and even extractions.  Eventually, once the grinding becomes bad, the teeth can loosen and will need to be removed.  This is definitely not an issue to take lightly.

Have more questions?  Feel free to leave a commit or submit a question to be included in our FAQ’s.