Dry socket is a temporary but painful complication of tooth extraction. It not only causes intense pain; it stalls the  healing process. Fortunately, it is rare, temporary, and usually preventable. Here are the causes of dry socket as  well as tips to prevent this condition after oral surgery and ensure a quick and comfortable recovery. 

What is a Dry Socket? 

When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the space left behind. This clot helps to block the underlying bone,  gum tissue, and nerves from bacterial infection or food debris. The clot is meant to stay in place while the  extraction site heals. In a few cases the clot may not form correctly or it becomes dislodged. This leaves the wound  exposed, a condition called alveolar osteitis, or dry socket. 

The most common sign of dry socket is a deep, throbbing pain from within the extraction area. Sometimes the  trapped food or infection creates an unpleasant odor, causing bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth. If this  happens, call our office right away. 

What Causes Dry Socket?  

Developing dry socket is rare, but certain factors can put you at increased risk. Poor oral hygiene, sucking motions,  oral contraceptives, and gum infection around the extraction site are all risk factors. One of the top culprits is  smoking. Studies show that 12 percent of people who smoke after a tooth extraction will develop this condition,  compared with only 4 percent of nonsmokers.  

Why? The inhaling action can break the blood clot loose. It is also believed that the chemicals in tobacco products  can delay healing. To prevent dry socket, avoid smoking a few weeks before and after the procedure. Our dentist  can help advise you on smoking cessation steps.  

Other causes of dry socket include drinking with straws, and brushing or rinsing the extraction area vigorously  during the healing process. Follow your post-treatment instructions and contact our office if you have questions. 

Treatment of Dry Socket 

If you develop a dry socket, we can offer quick, effective treatment. Our team will flush the extraction site to  remove any debris and pack it with gauze or other dressing. We may prescribe medication to help reduce  discomfort. It is important to attend follow-up appointments to ensure your timely recovery. 

Remember that dry socket is rare, temporary, and treatable. Our experienced dental team will guide you  throughout your recovery. For more information on post-extraction care, contact our office.

Accidents always happen. Be sure to know what to do when one arises – it can be the difference of  saving a tooth or losing one.  

A dental emergency is an injury to your teeth or gums that can be potentially serious. Ignoring one  can increase the risk of permanent damage. For all dental emergencies, it is important to contact  our office as soon as the injury occurs. Provide detailed information about the injury to your  mouth. We will be able to give you instructions on how to care for your mouth in the time before  coming to our office. In some instances, we may recommend emergency care. 

Here are some common dental injuries and how to care for them. 

Knocked-out tooth 

Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty and try not to remove any attached tissue fragments. Keep  the tooth moist at all times by carefully putting the tooth back in place without forcing it back into  the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or in a cup of water that  contains a pinch of salt. Contact our dental office as quickly as possible. 

Chipped or cracked tooth 

Save any pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injured area as well as  remove any small tooth fragments. Apply cold compresses to your mouth to keep down the  swelling and relieve pain.  

Objects caught between teeth 

Carefully try to remove the object using floss. If you cannot get the object out, see your dentist. It is  important to never use a pin or sharp instrument to remove the object since you may cause injury  to your gums or the surfaces of your teeth. 

Soft-tissue injuries 

Injuries to your tongue, cheeks, gums and lips can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, rinse  your mouth with mild salt water. Apply a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to the bleeding site  for about 15 minutes. You may also use a cold compress to relieve pain. If the bleeding doesn’t stop,  contact our dental office. 

You can also take simple precautions to avoid dental emergencies:  

● When participating in sports, always wear a mouth guard 

● Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy 

● Never use your teeth to cut things – use scissors 

If you encounter a dental emergency, always contact our dental office as soon as possible.  We can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to care for your mouth or may ask you  to come into the office. If you have any additional dental emergency questions, be sure to contact us.

If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, it may not be possible to regain  optimal oral health care without the assistance of professional care. While creating your oral  health plan, make sure to start by scheduling an examination and professional thorough  cleaning with our team. Once you’ve received professional care, it’s imperative to adopt an at home care plan to maintain your oral health between appointments.  

How often should you receive professional care?  

Your professional oral health care plan will vary based on your individual needs. For patients  with mild to severe periodontal disease, a program involving 4 visits per year may be necessary  to keep the disease from progressing. For others with a smile less susceptible to periodontal  disease and tooth decay, 2 visits per year may suffice. Regardless of your individual needs,  once set, do your best to keep to your regular schedule. This will prevent harmful bacteria from  causing damage to your beautiful smile and affecting your overall health. 

Many don’t realize the regular dental appointments alone do not ensure optimal oral health. In  fact, according to the research conducted by the American Dental Association, brushing should  occur twice per day for 2 full minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental  cleaning should occur daily and can be done with floss or alternative methods, such as with the  use of a Waterpik.  

Decay can occur in a few months or less of oral hygiene neglect. Decay can also occur due to  an acidic oral environment, underlying health conditions or as a result of a poor dietary habit.  

Oral Health and Overall Health 

Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. The bacteria and infection found in your  mouth can travel through your bloodstream to important organs. It’s imperative to care for your  smile, just as you would your heart, lungs or brain.  

Whether it has been only a few months or several years since you’ve last received professional oral health care, we welcome you at our practice. You’ll receive compassionate care, free of judgement. It’s our goal to help you achieve a smile that you’re happy to display.

Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow a general dentist to master the art of dentistry. When considering cosmetic dentistry, start with a consultation.  

What to Expect During Your Cosmetic Consultation 

Just as you wouldn’t paint a house that has yet to be built, you wouldn’t want to address the aesthetics of your smile, prior to ensuring the foundation is healthy and functional. For this reason, you may learn that you have a need for restorative or orthodontic care before receiving the cosmetic plan. This can be disappointing for some patients, however, most agree that having a strong and healthy smile is even more important than its appearance.  

During your cosmetic consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to explain to our team how you’d like your smile to appear. With modern technology and procedures, our team can address and solve a variety of concerns, including:  

• Diastema (gaps between teeth) 
• Whitening a dull smile 
• Repairing chipped or cracked teeth 
• Building up worn teeth 
• Reshaping 
• Crown lengthening (to correct a “gummy” smile)  
• Misaligned or crooked teeth 

The services recommended during your consultation may include one or more of the following:  

• Porcelain veneers 
• Teeth whitening 
• Inlays and onlays 
• Dental Implants 
• Dentures 
• Tooth-colored fillings 
• Orthodontics 

During your appointment, you’ll not only express what you envision for your smile, but our team will provide you with a detailed plan for how to achieve your goals. From there, you’ll be able to plan the appointments, financing and more. Often a few small changes can drastically improve the appearance of a smile. It’s very possible that in 1-2 short visits, you can be smiling with confidence.  

If you’ve considered cosmetic dentistry, but aren’t sure where to start, contact us. Our team of professionals will provide you with an individual plan.  

Good oral hygiene habits are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. What you might not know is that research has found the health of your mouth actually mirrors the overall condition of your body. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a direct relationship between gum disease and many serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The good news is, research also shows that good oral health may actually help prevent certain diseases from occurring. 

Understanding the mouth/body connection 

Poor oral habits can cause bacteria to build up on your teeth, making your gums more prone to disease and infection. When that happens, your immune system goes to work attacking the 

infection, leading to inflammation and gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Left untreated, periodontitis and chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the rest of your body, leading to a host of health problems. Thankfully, this “worst-case-scenario” is easily preventable. Here’s what you can do to elevate your oral hygiene habits and keep unwanted health concerns at bay: 

• Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth so you can reach back teeth easily. If you have any questions about which toothbrush we recommend for you, you can ask our office during your appointment. 
• Remember to replace your toothbrush every three or four months. 
• Choose an American Dental Association-approved fluoride toothpaste to keep teeth free from decay. 
• Floss daily to remove tooth decay-causing bacteria that tend to linger between teeth. Regular flossing also helps remove plaque under the gumline and minimize your risk of contracting gum disease. 
• Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks. 
• Avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are known to contribute to gum disease and oral cancer. 

In addition to maintaining good daily oral health habits, seeing your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to keep your mouth – and your body – healthy. These exams allow our team to monitor any changes to your teeth and gums and make recommendations that will help you avoid future health problems. Call our office today to schedule an exam.