Why do dry sockets develop when wisdom teeth are extracted?
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American Dental Association answered:Dry socket is a painful condition that sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted, including when a wisdom tooth is extracted. It happens when the blood clot that forms over your socket is displaced; leaving bone and nerves exposed. If this happens, notify your dentist.Dry socket is a painful condition that sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted, including when a wisdom tooth is extracted. It happens when the blood clot that forms over your socket is displaced; leaving bone and nerves exposed. If this... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:After a wisdom tooth extraction, dry socket can develop if a blood clot does not form correctly or is prematurely lost at the site where the tooth was removed. You need the blood clot to form correctly so new tissue and bone can develop at the site.After a wisdom tooth extraction, dry socket can develop if a blood clot does not form correctly or is prematurely lost at the site where the tooth was removed. You need the blood clot to form correctly so new tissue and bone can develop at the site. More -
Dr. Gregory D. Tuttle answered:I hear questions about dry socket, rather regularly. In the great majority of cases, removal of a tooth is a routine procedure, and is followed by a period of very little discomfort. In a small percentage (less than 5%) of cases, a dry socket may develop, which is usually quite painful. Causes seem to vary, but perhaps the most common is loss of the clot forming in the extraction site. This is usually caused by smoking during healing, and other forms of suction--like using a straw. Consumption of carbonated beverages early in the healing process can also dissolve the clot. Follow post-op instructions carefully, to help make your experience as easy a possible.I hear questions about dry socket, rather regularly. In the great majority of cases, removal of a tooth is a routine procedure, and is followed by a period of very little discomfort. In a small percentage (less than 5%) of cases, a dry socket... More
