Avoid A Dry Socket With Dentures

15 June 2015
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog


Whether you get all your teeth pulled in one day, or just a few last ones removed the day you get dentures, you may find that dentures can help prevent a dry socket. Your first few days wearing dentures can be uncomfortable enough as your mouth adjusts to their continuous presence. A dry socket on top of that isn't something you want to have. Use the information below to help you prevent a dry socket and help get used to your dentures at the same time.

What is a Dry Socket?

It's easier to avoid getting a dry socket when you know what it is. When you have a tooth pulled, a blood clot forms in the empty space where the root once was. That clot doesn't just help prevent continuous blood flow; it also protects the exposed nerves in the gums. When the clot is removed or falls out, the nerves are exposed and the result is intense pain called dry socket.

Keep Dentures in Place

Even though it might be a bit uncomfortable, your dentures can help keep the clot from coming out. Dentures fit snugly up against the gums, so they fit tightly over the opening where your tooth or teeth once were. They provide an added layer of protection for the clot. On top of that, the longer you can keep your dentures in from the start, the better your gums will form to them.

Avoid Suction

When you leave the dentist's office and he or she tells you not to smoke for 24 hours, he or she isn't being redundant. When you smoke, you use suction to pull the smoke into your mouth. That suction can cause the clot to come loose. The same is true when you use straws or other items that would cause you to create suction in your mouth. In fact, if your dentures fit too loosely and you find yourself sucking them in to the roof of your mouth, call your dental professional immediately before you cause a dry socket.

There are some issues that are common for people who are new to dentures. Your mouth may be tender from wearing them or you may have difficulty at first when you try to talk or eat. These problems shouldn't last long, but you don't want to add pain to your discomfort by causing a dry socket. Contact your dental professional at Ahwatukee Foothills Dental immediately if your discomfort exceeds what you perceive as normal. Continue to follow your dental professional's instructions when it comes to preventing  dry socket.

     


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