Alveolar osteitis is a condition comprised of an uncomfortably dry socket where a permanent tooth has been lost or extracted. A tooth extraction is an oral surgery which is often followed up by dental implant surgery. During the time that your tooth is healing, a blood clot forms. This is part of the healing process, meant to protect your bone and nerves. Unfortunately, in rare cases the clot is dislodged or dissolves before a healthy foundation has properly rebuilt itself. Alveolar osteitis usually occurs 3-4 days after a tooth is dislodged. If you have had a tooth knocked out or extracted and you feel this uncomfortable dryness (or even pain) you will definitely want to consult with Elk Grove cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg.
Dry Socket Symptoms
Discomfort is naturally expected after a tooth extraction or dental injury. However, severe pain (especially which occurs 3-4 days after the tooth is loss) an emptier look to the socket than usual, visible bone, pain radiating from the area to your, eyes, ears, temple, or neck, and foul breath are tell-tale signs that there is an issue at hand. If you have a sudden bad taste in your mouth which won’t go away, pay attention. Alveolar osteitis can also cause swollen lymph nodes and a low-grade fever.
Treatment of Aveolar Osteitis
When you have an extraction which goes off without a hitch, your dentist may prescribe pain medication, but often over-the-counter meds are all you need. As the site heals, any discomfort should go away. When a dry socket occurs, Dr. Engelberg may want to flush the area with a salt rinse to remove any food debris which may have gotten stuck. A medicated dressing can help with healing and relief. You may need to visit the office multiple times to ensure that healing is on target.
Visit your Elk Grove Cosmetic Dentist
If you would like to arrange a consultation to discuss tooth extraction or tooth replacement with Dr. Engelberg, schedule an appointment with our 60007 dentist office by calling 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
