If you have a dental extraction scheduled with your dentist or oral surgeon, then you may know that there are a few different complications that can arise once the treatment is completed. One of these complications is called dry socket, and although it is not common, it is something you need to be aware of. If you are a smoker, then your chances of developing dry socket increase substantially. Your dentist will tell you not to smoke. Keep reading to learn how smoking can cause dry socket so you are better prepared to stop smoking.
It Prevents Blood Clotting
When a tooth is extracted, a large opening will be noted in the mouth where the socket remains. This opening will reach to the jaw bone, and many nerves will be exposed in the region. This can cause a great deal of pain as the nerves are exposed to the air. Fortunately, blood pools in the area and protects the bone from exposure. This keeps pain at bay and allows the opening to heal from the bottom up.
If you smoke though, then the nicotine you ingest will dilate the blood vessels and keep blood from flowing freely to the socket area. A clot will then fail to form and the socket will remain open, causing a great deal of discomfort.
This means that smoking is an issue and so is any product, like the patch, that releases nicotine into the blood stream. If you do use a patch, then speak with your oralprofessional to see when it is safe to start using it after your extraction procedure.
It Causes Clot Dislodging
If you have successfully stayed away from cigarettes and allowed the blood clot to form, then this clot needs to remain in place until healing progresses significantly. Basically, the clot needs to cover the jaw until new tissues build and cover it. If you smoke before this happens, then you can easily suck the clot out of the socket and expose the bone.
Your oral professional may tell you not to use straws, to spit, or to complete any action that can suck out the clot. If the clot does dislodge, then your dentist may need to place a medicated dressing over the socket area to protect the jaw and to encourage healing.
You should know that the release of the clot can allow food debris to get stuck in the socket area. This can leave you exposed to a variety of infection risks.
For more information, contact a company like Holly Springs Dental Care.
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