After a wisdom tooth extraction or after a tooth extraction that didn’t also include a dental implant, you can heal more quickly and minimize your risk of developing a dry socket by following established aftercare guidelines. Once a tooth is extracted, an empty space is left in the bone where the tooth roots used to be. This is known as a tooth socket. As part of the body’s natural healing process, a blood clot typically forms over an empty tooth socket. If this doesn’t happen, or does happen but the clot becomes dislodged, you can experience severe pain from the exposed nerves and bone. Avoid vigorous activities for a few days, don’t drink anything through a straw, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, and avoid touching the extraction site with your toothbrush. If you begin to experience any symptoms of dry socket, including intense pain at the extraction site that radiates to your eyes and forehead, foul breath or a foul taste in your mouth or a noticeably empty socket, contact our office and we’ll be able to get you back on track to a healthy smile.