How can I prevent dry sockets after Day 2?

Question

Approximately 36 hours ago, I had two of my wisdom teeth extracted under general anesthesia. One of which (lower right) was an impacted tooth. The dentist failed to provide me with ANY post-op instructions, so I was drinking from a straw for most of the first day (although I used the opposite side of my mouth to do so). Bleeding has long stopped and I'm experiencing very little pain. It looks like he stitched everything up quite nicely. The next two days I have to go back to work as an operator (5 hour shifts of non-stop talking) and three days following that I will be out of town with family. I'm currently on penicillin, vicodin, and ibuprofen.

Considering the busy week I have ahead, how can I prevent dry sockets and other complications? Also, because bleeding stopped before the 24 hour mark, does that mean my gums are healing properly (despite the straw usage)? The dentist won't be able to see me for another week and a half, so any tips to maintain a healthy recovery are most appreciated.

Unfortunately, taking more than a day off of work is far from a reality!

Answer 1

I hope you've quit using a straw. No swishing or spitting either because that movement in your mouth can be bad for the holes. Keep taking advil for pain relief. Just baby your mouth and you should be fine. I had my lower one out 2 months ago and it isn't completely closed yet! I had to take advil for 1 1/2 wks before it quit hurting, although it lessened more each day. Take care and remember...baby your mouth.

Answer 2

Oh goodness!  Don't create any suction in your mouth as that can pull out a blood clot.  The blood clot is what prevents a dry socket as the blood helps the bone regrow.  Also, don't eat anything hard that can poke into the area.  Brush the incision LIGHTLY so you don't jab at the areas, but do keep it clean.  Finish your antibiotic (penicillin) completely.  But the bleeding should have stopped by the second day.  If you drank with a straw the first day, it is not the worst thing that could happen because the blood wouldn't have clotted that quickly.  Usually dry sockets happen a little later on in the healing process.