Dry Sockets

While the doctors at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat are highly trained and experienced in root canals, there are times teeth have to be extracted. Although most patients have quick and easy recoveries, the most common problem they encounter is a dry socket. These are particularly likely following extractions which required incisions into gum or bone tissue, as sometimes happens with wisdom teeth.

When a tooth is removed, the patient will bleed a little. The blood should be allowed to clot so that it can seal off and protect the empty socket, preventing infection and dryness. The instructions a patient will be given after the operation are mostly meant to ensure that the clot does not get knocked loose prematurely, as might happen if the patient sips through a straw. The doctors will also need to know if the patient is on medications that may interfere with clotting.

Empty sockets usually close quickly; the patient is at the greatest risk of dryness during the first two days after surgery. If they experience severe pain, they should schedule an emergency appointment. Our office will be able to clean the wound and provide medicated dressings, as well as antibiotics and painkillers.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit VistaDentalMH.Ca.