{"id":1009,"date":"2020-02-05T00:44:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T00:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premierdentalwaco.com\/blog\/?p=1009"},"modified":"2020-02-25T00:48:18","modified_gmt":"2020-02-25T00:48:18","slug":"recently-tooth-extraction-dry-socket-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premierdentalwaco.com\/blog\/recently-tooth-extraction-dry-socket-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"Recently Had a Tooth Extraction? Here\u2019s How to Avoid Dry Socket"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When a tooth\nextraction<\/a> is completed, the tooth leaves behind an open socket. Immediately\nfollowing your treatment, the dentist will ask you to bite down onto a gauze\npad so that the bleeding can stop and a clot can form. This blood clot is\nresponsible for protecting the nerve tissue and bone inside your mouth. This\nalso allows the gums to heal properly. However, if that clot dislodges or dissolves,\nit can lead to a host of problems. To avoid this situation, take note of the\nfollowing steps very closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Avoid Straws at All Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re sucking on a straw, it can dramatically increase\nthe risk of your blood clot becoming dislodged. This is because the air from the\nstraw as well as the movement of your cheek muscles can actually lead to the\nblood clot loosening and coming off. While it\u2019s important to avoid straws for\nthe entire time that your clot is healing, it\u2019s especially important to do so\nfor the first 24 hours after the extraction takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Those who use tobacco, whether it\u2019s chewing or smoking it,\nare much more likely to develop dry socket. While the fast inhalation of cigarette\nsmoke can also lead to your clot becoming dislodged, the chemicals inside that\ntobacco can also cause your socket to become infected. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important\nto avoid all tobacco products in general, even if you don\u2019t need to smoke them\nto consume them. Leading up to your surgery, reduce your tobacco intake for the\nnext couple of weeks. If quitting tobacco becomes too difficult, wear a nicotine\npatch or distract yourself with a new habit to take your mind off of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain a Soft Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stick to soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, mashed\npotatoes, and other foods that do not require a lot of chewing to eat. You can\nmove to other foods after the first day, but should avoid them if you start to experience\nany discomfort. Do not have any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n