Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
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Preventing Dry Socket After A Root Canal
Eleanor Crawford
Most root canal patients don't experience a lot of pain following the procedure, despite myths that say otherwise. If the blood clot that forms where your tooth used to becomes dislodged after a root canal or extraction, you can develop dry socket. This "dry socket" leaves your bone and nerves exposed, which can lead to moderate to severe pain. While dry socket isn't a common complication following a root canal, you can reduce your risk further by following proper pre-procedure and post-procedure care instructions from your dentist.
Tobacco Use
One of the best ways to prevent dry socket is to make sure you cease all tobacco use for at least 24 hours prior to and 24 hours after your root canal. Smoking and vaping can dislodge the blood clot when you inhale. Chewing tobacco can get caught in the hole and wear the clot down or even lead to an infection. It's best to avoid tobacco for even longer after your procedure since the clot can still be damaged or loosened after the first 24 hours have passed.
Using a Straw
Drinking through a straw creates suction that can be too strong for the newly formed clot. Using a straw is particularly dangerous to the clot if you're drinking thick liquids, like a smoothie or a shake, since they require you to use a larger straw or suck more forcefully. Cool treats can feel very good on your healing gums and don't require any chewing, so they're fine to enjoy -- just opt for a spoon over a straw for the first several days following your root canal.
Medications
Some medications can make you more prone to dry socket, so it's important to discuss any medications you take regularly with your dentist before you have your root canal. Blood thinners and oral contraceptives are two common medications that can make it harder for your blood to clot and form the protection your mouth needs over the wound. Don't stop taking any medications without your doctor's approval, however. You may be able to reduce your dose or temporarily stop taking medications while you heal from your root canal, but if not, just follow as many other precautions as you can to protect the clot.
Improper Oral Hygiene Your dentist may advise you not to brush or floss for 24 hours following a root canal. It's usually safe to brush carefully after the first full day, but don't brush roughly around the hole where your tooth was. Don't swish water or mouthwash forcefully and allow the water and toothpaste to drain out of your mouth slowly instead of spitting to reduce the risk of dislodging the blood clot.
Dry socket can be very painful, but it's usually not a serious condition. Your dentist can diagnose it just by looking at where your tooth used to be. Treatment includes painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, a protective gel to cover the socket and, in some cases, antibiotics if your dentist suspects you have a bacterial infection. If you think you have a dry socket or have any other questions or concerns about your healing following a root canal, contact a dentist office like Dental Studios of MacArthur.
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