Dry Sockets
We do everything we can at Bernstein Dental Care to save our patients’ teeth, but when they have to be extracted, we do it efficiently and with maximum care for the patient’s comfort. While not done lightly, extractions are a routine procedure and very rarely lead to complications. When something does go wrong, it’s usually a dry socket, which we endeavor to educate patients on how to prevent. After a tooth is pulled, a bit of blood will pool in the empty socket. This blood will ideally form a clot, which will protect the socket from dryness and infection while it closes. However, there are some medications which prevent blood from clotting, which is why it’s very important for patients to share their medication history with us. A successful clot could still be dislodged by suction, which is why patients shouldn’t suck on straws after surgery. If they are in severe pain more than two days after the extraction, they should come see us for painkillers, antibiotics, and moisturizing medic