The Whole Tooth

I went to get the last of my wisdom teeth out today. Ouch. And while trawling the web (as usual) for all things related to tooth extraction, I came upon THIS site.

Here are some highlights:

After the tooth is removed, a blood clot forms to help the healing process. This is why you bite down on gauze for up to an hour after the extraction - to help it form in the hole left behind by the extracted tooth.

Once the clot has formed, it takes 24 hours or more for it to set in firmly.

You DON'T want to dislodge this clot because you end up with what is known as a dry socket - the bone is exposed, it will hurt like mad and you can't do shite about it except treat the pain while you wait it out. Eventually it will heal, but prevention is better than cure right?

How to prevent it (this is quoted directly from the website) :

• After a tooth extraction, dentists advise their patients to exert a firm biting pressure on the gauze, placed over the site of extraction, for as long as the next 60 minutes.
• Normally, this will offer time and opportunity for the formation of a protective blood clot at the site of extraction, which is the intention of your dentist.
• It may take 24 hours or more, after a tooth extraction for the blood clot to get settled firmly.
• After, the blood clot is in place, the patient must take care not to disrupt and dislodge it.
• From your side you can do this by avoiding vigorous rinsing of your mouth for the first 24 hours.
• Actions, like sucking on a straw or cigarette can dislodge the blood clot by lowering the pressure around it, than the pressure in the cavity or space under it.
• Abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, exercises, and most importantly from drinking hot liquids, such as coffee or soup can help you in preventing a dry socket after tooth extraction.
• For dental patients with gum diseases such as peritonitis etc, your dentist may advise an antibiotic course for you to counter infection.
• Antibacterial mouthwash may help a patient, who is not a great dental hygienist, in countering the pre and/or post operative bacterial growth near the site of the tooth extraction.
• Following diligently, the specific post-operative instructions deemed important by your dentist for you, may help you in avoiding or having to attend fewer post-operative complications, and in wisdom teeth removal recovery.

And now I'm off to bed. Hopefully I'll feel better when I wake up.