How to Treat Dry Socket

Dry socket is an extremely painful condition occuring after a tooth is extracted. Normal pain gradually gets better after this procedure. If you experience increasing pain as the days pass or new pain in the area, you may have dry socket. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about appropriate treatment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consult with a dentist for diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. Dry socket often requires several visits to the dentist's office to treat and the sooner you begin, the faster the pain is managed.
2. Pack the socket with medicated dressings. Your dentist or oral surgeon will do this several times over the next several days to a week depending on the severity of the pain and other symptoms.
3. Take pain medication to help control the pain. Your dentist may prescribe a pain killer if over the counter medications aren't taking care of the pain. Discuss this option and appropriate medications with your dentist or oral surgeon.
4. Flush out the socket to make sure no debris or food particles are present. Objects in the socket lead to greater pain or infection. Your dentist may flush the socket out at the office or instruct you on how to accomplish this at home.
5. Rinse out your mouth warm salt water a few times per day. This keeps food particles out of the area and promotes healing.
6. Place ice packs on your face and jaw to help ease the pain and decrease swelling.
7. Rest and eat well. Dry socket heals faster when you take good care of your body and promotes healing by eating right, staying hydrated and resting.