Getting a tooth pulled carries a risk of experiencing a dry socket, also known asalveolar osteitis.
A dry socket can result if the clot does not form or gets dislodged.
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Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco
Smoking can increase the risk of developing dry socket.
Nicotine can interfere with the healing process.
Avoid reintroducing hard foods until your dentist confirms that the area has healed.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Continue togently brush your teethafter having a tooth pulled.
Vigorous, rather than gentle, swishing can interfere with blood clotting or dislodge the clot.
This is because drinking alcohol can interfere with healing, as well as clot formation.
If you must exercise, keep it gentle.
One bang out of medication isblood thinners(anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs).
These can help control conditions such as heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis.
Medications often prescribed to thin the blood include the following.
Plateletsare blood cells responsible for clot formation.
Your dentist can test your blood and keep tabs on how long it takes your blood to clot.
Before making the change, consult the prescribing provider to ensure the temporary change will not affect your health.
Birth control pills may interfere with healing, and you may be asked to discontinue them temporarily.
Be sure to use alternate birth control methods as long as needed.
A Word From Verywell
Dry sockets can be unpleasant and painful.
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