After a tooth is removed, there’s essentially a hole left in your jawbone where the tooth was. During a normal healing process, a blood clot will develop over the hole, forming the foundation of what will eventually be bone and soft tissue. However, if the blood clot doesn’t properly form, is dislodged, or dissolves during the early stages of healing, dry socket occurs. The hole, bone, and nerve tissue are exposed to air, food debris, and bacteria. Typically, people are most at risk for dry socket within a few days after their tooth extraction [1].

Symptoms of a Dry Socket

How do you know if you have dry socket following a tooth extraction? Dry socket is typically very painful, and you may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain or inflammation around the tooth extraction site. The pain could radiate from your jaw throughout your face on the side where your tooth was removed.
• You may be able to see bone when looking at the extraction site.
• A bad taste or smell in your mouth, which could be the result of food debris getting stuck in the extraction site and potentially causing an infection.
• You may have a low or high-grade fever.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should always reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible to treat the condition and avoid further complications!

Treatment for Dry Socket Following a Tooth Extraction

Treatment for dry socket will depend on how severe the condition is. At the very least, you’ll need to come back in to see your dentist to get the problem addressed. Your dentist will determine if the blood clot is missing and carefully clean the extraction site.

You may need to be on antibiotic therapy to prevent or cure any infection, and you may have to come back in to see your dentist periodically to ensure the site is healing properly. Your dentist can also advise you on pain management techniques to help with your discomfort [2].

Who’s at Risk for the Condition?

Fortunately, dry socket is a relatively rare occurrence. You may be more at risk to develop dry socket after a tooth extraction if you smoke or use tobacco, have poor oral hygiene, or have a tooth removed on your lower jaw as opposed to your upper jaw [3].

In the majority of cases, dry socket can be prevented by carefully following your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s care instructions for healing. Often, these measures will include avoiding using a straw, avoiding smoking or tobacco use, and properly cleaning your oral cavity without touching the extraction site.

If you need to get a tooth removed, rest assured that dry socket is uncommon. However, if you have concerns about dry socket or are worried that you may have developed the condition, it’s essential to follow up with your oral healthcare professional as soon as possible!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000780.htm
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-socket/symptoms-causes/syc-
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4060391/

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The goal of oral cancer screenings is to identify any cancerous growths early to prevent the spread of the disease. An oral cancer screening is a simple process that typically happens during your regular checkup with your professional dentist.

Here’s what you can expect during an oral cancer screening!

A Physical Exam of Your Oral Cavity

Your dentist will conduct a physical exam of your oral cavity to look for areas in the mouth that may be red or white, such as sores or lesions [2]. Your dentist will also feel for lumps in your face, neck, and jaw that could be indicative of cancer.

The exam is comprehensive and includes your lips, the lining of your cheeks, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth. This process is usually simple and painless—even for patients that experience dental anxiety, there’s no instruments used, just a simple visual exam.

A Few Brief Questions

During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will ask you about any changes in your health or if you’re having any symptoms related to oral cancer [3]. These symptoms could include unexplained pain, numbness, or bleeding in your oral cavity.

If you’re new at your dentist office, they may also ask about your history of cancer, smoking, or tobacco use to better understand your risk for oral cancer. Based on this information, your dentist will recommend screening options. Typically, oral cancer screenings happen annually for adults.

What Happens If Your Dentist Suspects Oral Cancer

If your dentist finds something that requires further investigation, don’t panic. Some lesions or bumps are benign—non-cancerous—and nothing to worry about. Your dentist may want to conduct a few additional tests to get a better idea of what their findings are.

These tests could include staining options such as blue or florescence stains, which can help healthcare professionals identify potentially cancerous growths [4]. Your dentist may also want to take a biopsy, in which cells are scraped and looked at to determine if further diagnosis is required.

Based on their findings, your dentist can refer you to a specialist for further testing and
diagnosis.

When Was Your Last Checkup?

Your regular dentist visits aren’t just for teeth cleanings—with an annual oral cancer screening, you can help catch oral cancer early to increase your chances of treatment success. Ask your dentist about their process for oral cancer screenings during your next checkup!

Sources:
1. https://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=106&key=O
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oral-cancer-screening/about/pac-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer
4. https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/oral-screening-pdq

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Getting a professional teeth cleaning not only looks and feels great, but has other important purposes. When we brush and floss regularly, we’re doing our teeth a huge favor. However, people are not expert tooth cleaners. Tight spaces or areas behind teeth often get missed during brushing. A professional cleaning can remove plaque or tartar in these areas while your dentist can let you know how to brush better. Getting a professional cleaning also regularly removes surface stains, helping your teeth remain whiter!

Evaluate Gum Health

Our gums are instrumental in keeping our teeth and their roots healthy. However, gum problems tend to be sneaky. Gums that are slightly red, irritated, or puffy could be indicative of gum disease. Your dentist can closely inspect your gums to determine if any signs of gum disease are present. Gum recession is often only noticeable after tooth sensitivity occurs around your roots. Visiting your dentist can ensure gums are doing their job and not experiencing any problems.

Oral Cancer Screening

Many dentists now conduct an oral cancer screening during your routine exam. This means your dentist will feel around your face, neck, and jaw to identify any unusual growths. The inside of your mouth will also be checked for persistent sores or discoloration. Early detection can help save your life when it comes to oral cancer, so don’t skip this important screening even if you feel fine!

Check for Cavities

Tooth decay has a tricky way of developing when we’re unaware of it. Often people go to the dentist to find that they have several cavities that they didn’t know about! Your dentist is an expert at looking for cavities. Small cavities are easy to fill, while large cavities could compromise your entire tooth. Get regular checkups to monitor any existing tooth decay and check for new cavities.

Talk about Concerns

Your dentist is a professional. Bring your oral health concerns with you to the office—talking to your dentist about any symptoms or concerns you have gives you peace of mind and the best care. While searching on the Internet is a popular alternative, talking to a real dentist about your specific smile always yields more accurate advice!

Just because your teeth look and feel okay doesn’t mean you should skip the dentist office. Don’t wait until you have problems to go—schedule routine visits at least once a year with your local dentist. He or she can let you know whether or not you need to come more often. Take great care of your smile for life with regular checkups!

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