What are some hints on avoiding dry sockets?
Question:
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!
Answers:
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
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