“Is a dry socket an infection?”
If I suspect that I have a dry socket, would I need to take antibiotics for it? Is it considered an infection?
14 Answers
A dry socket is the result of an extraction site not closing properly of fully-a medication is added into the socket itself to alleviate the pain and help in healing
Yes, it is an infection of the bone and needs to be treated with an antibiotic.
A dry socket is not an infection. You do not need antibiotics when you have a dry socket. Dry sockets normally occur when you have exposed bone or the loss of the clot from an extraction site. This problem is easily fixed by placing a dry socket paste into the extraction site.
If you have a dry socket, the actual diagnosis is alveolitis, which is an inflamed socket that is a borderline infection - you may or may not need antibiotics, depending on whether the risk of infection extends beyond the socket itself - you should be examined by the dentist who took the tooth out to determine if antibiotics are appropriate.
After an extraction the blood clot needs to cover the bone for at least 3 to 5 days before the gum migrates over the bone. If the blood clot comes out before this you can get a dry socket. Since there is nothing covering the bone the saliva will cause an inflammation in the bone. This will cause a throbbing sensation. The bone would have to be covered with a packing material to keep it covered until the tissue grows over it. While the bone is exposed after the clot is lost if you get a lot of food stuck in the socket it is possible that you can also get an infection on top[ of the dry socket.
Dry socket, by definition is not an infection. It is premature loss of the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket. In some cases it is prudent to cover the patient with an antibiotic not to treat, but to prevent an infection.
Hope this is helpful.
Justin W. Ruffner, DDS
Hope this is helpful.
Justin W. Ruffner, DDS
Yes and yes. You might need more than antibiotics though, so see your dentist.
A dry socket is not always due to an infection. It is the premature loss of the blood clot after an extraction leaving the socket dry and exposed (this usually is painful). If there is an odor from the socket, I will usually get the patient on an antibiotic and pack the socket with a medicated dressing (this acts like an artificial blood clot until you can heal and make your own).
A dry socket is not an infection. When the blood clot is lost, bone is exposed creating pain. You need to see the doctor who removed your teeth so that they can place a special packing that will reduce the discomfort.
Yes it is an infection.
It’s not an infection but it is irritation of the bone and extremely painful! I would suggest going in to get out of that pain ASAP. Cheers.
Hmm kind of and very strong, so first take precautions to avoid it and if it happens take a lot of care so that it goes away asap
No. A dry socket is a painful loss of the blood clot after an extraction, exposing the bone. Seek out your dentist for treatment
Hello
Alveolar osteitis or “dry socket” is basically a non- healing wound. For a wound to heal, a blood clot needs to form and stay put in the socket. Individuals who are immuno-compromised, smokers or even genetics can play a role in who is more susceptible. Management is to have the dentist debride the area after giving local anesthetic and place a medicament into the socket and/or pain meds ie. NSAIDs but sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed to prevent the wound from getting infected.
Hope this helps.
Alveolar osteitis or “dry socket” is basically a non- healing wound. For a wound to heal, a blood clot needs to form and stay put in the socket. Individuals who are immuno-compromised, smokers or even genetics can play a role in who is more susceptible. Management is to have the dentist debride the area after giving local anesthetic and place a medicament into the socket and/or pain meds ie. NSAIDs but sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed to prevent the wound from getting infected.
Hope this helps.
