What are some hints on avoiding dry sockets?

Question

Two of my wisdom teeth (fully erupted) are being removed because of cavities.

I grind my teeth so I wear a mouthgaurd while sleeping & I tend to suck on it in my sleep.

What can I do to break my habit of sucking before next Thursday? or to protect my wound from the sucking?

I'm so scared of the pain from dry socket!

Answer 1

Hi! The best choice here is to try to mentally tell your self to stop and tell the Surgeon about your problem. He can suture the surgical site tighter and place a gortex membrane over the site to help before placing the stitches. The other option is to place a periodontal covering that I use for people that MUST smoke the second they get out of my office. This is a putty material that hardens after you pat it down all over the site. It lasts about 3-5 days and that is long enough to prevent dry socket if you are careful. However, many Surgeons do not carry this a rule, so tell them a head of time your would like to try it. They will know what you want, just explain what I said. That should do it. And PLEASE follow all post-op instruction including sleeping with an extra pillow, ice down every 40 minutes for 20 minutes and begin salty warm water rinses 34 hours AFTER 3-4 times a day. Eat ice cream and cool stuff for 2 days and NO pizza, bagels, sticky or chewy foods for 5-7 days!!Take pain meds immediately when you get home and good luck!!! Marie

Answer 2

The only thing that causes dry socket is negative pressure (sucking motion) in the mouth. I've had 8 teeth pulled altogether and drank milk and ate dairy products everytime. I got dry socket once, but it was because I was smoking.