Tooth Extraction Aftercare: How to Prevent a Painful Dry Socket Complication

At American Dental Clinic in San Diego, California, Emmanuel Aguilar, DMD, and our team want to ensure your tooth extraction procedure is as smooth and comfortable as possible, from the treatment itself to your aftercare at home.

While extractions are routine, proper healing is key to avoiding complications. One of the most common issues patients face is a painful condition called a dry socket.

What is a dry socket?

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty socket. This clot is vital, acting as a protective layer over the underlying bone and nerves and providing the foundation for new tissue growth. 

A dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, occurs when this blood clot is dislodged, dissolves, or fails to form properly, leaving the sensitive bone and nerves exposed. This exposure can lead to intense pain that begins a few days after your procedure, often accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth or visible bone in the socket.

Key steps for preventing dry socket

The good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk of developing a dry socket by carefully following our aftercare instructions. Protecting the blood clot is the most important goal during the first few days of healing. Here are the key steps we recommend at American Dental Clinic.

Avoid suction and smoking

The negative pressure created by using a straw or smoking can easily dislodge the protective blood clot. We advise avoiding straws for at least a week and refraining from smoking for as long as possible after your extraction, as it can also slow the healing process.

Eat a soft-food diet

For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid anything hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy that could irritate the extraction site or get lodged in the socket.

Practice gentle oral hygiene

You can brush your teeth the night of your surgery, but be extremely gentle around the extraction site. Avoid vigorous rinsing. After the first 24 hours, you can begin to gently rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day, especially after meals.

Get plenty of rest

Plan to rest for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure. Strenuous activity can increase blood pressure and may lead to more bleeding or dislodge the blood clot.

When to call us

Some discomfort and minor swelling are normal after a tooth extraction. However, if your pain suddenly worsens a few days after the procedure, or if you suspect you have a dry socket, it’s important to contact us. You should also call our office if you experience signs of an infection, such as fever or pus from the wound.

If you have questions about an upcoming tooth extraction or are experiencing severe pain after a procedure, don't hesitate to seek care. Call American Dental Clinic in San Diego or use our online booking tool to schedule your consultation today.