Content

• Steps
• Warning

Alveolar osteitis occurs after the tooth is removed and the hollow tooth loses its protective scab and the nerves are exposed. The blood clot that forms where the tooth was extracted no longer exposes the alveolar bone and the nerves. This can be extremely painful and requires many visits to the oral surgeon. Learn about preventive measures you can take before and after tooth extraction to avoid this.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Take precautions before tooth extraction

1. 

   Find a trusted surgeon. Extraction process has a great impact on whether alveolar osteitis occurs or not. Learn about extraction procedures and talk to your doctor about the possibilities. Remember to gather all the necessary information to make sure things are going smoothly. Here are the precautions the surgeon will take:
   • Your doctor will give you a mouthwash and a gel formulated to help you properly heal your teeth.
   • The doctor will also coat the wound with an antiseptic solution and gauze to protect the drive after the surgery.

2. 

   
   
   Find out if the medications you are taking are affecting the extraction. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can inhibit blood clotting, and this will prevent a scab from forming on the extracted tooth.
   • Oral contraceptives put women at a higher risk of alveolar osteitis.
   • Women taking birth control pills should try to schedule an extraction on the 23rd to 28th day of the cycle, when estrogen levels are low.

3. 

   
   
   Stop smoking a few days before the tooth extraction. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or other tobacco products can interfere with dental repair. Consider using a nicotine patch or other alternative products for a few days, as inhaling secondhand smoke can significantly increase your risk of alveolar osteitis. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Take precautions after tooth extraction

1. 

   
   
   Keep oral hygiene. You may have open stitches or sores in your mouth, so special cleaning should be done during the first few days. Do not brush your teeth, floss or rinse, or rinse your mouth in any way for 24 hours. Then, do the following:
   • If you have stitches and gums covering the extraction site, you can start brushing lightly after 12 hours. Remember to avoid where the tooth was extracted.
   • Use a gentle, low-pressure salt water rinse every 2 hours or after each meal.
   • Brush your teeth gently, being careful not to touch the wound.
   • Floss carefully, don't get close to the wound.

2. 

   Rest much. You need to let your body focus its energy on wound healing instead of on other activities. The mouth may become swollen and painful for the first few days after surgery, so take a few days off from school or work to give your body a rest.
   • Don't talk too much. You need to keep your mouth still as the socket starts to crust and reduce swelling.
   • Don't practice if it's not necessary. Lie or sit on the sofa for the first 24 hours, then walk gently for the next few days.
   • Avoid touching where the extracted tooth was and try not to lie on the side of the jaw where the tooth was extracted for 2-3 days.

3. 

   Avoid drinking any drinks other than water. Drinking plenty of cool water after surgery and staying away from beverages can interfere with tooth recovery. Drinks to avoid include:
   • Coffee, soda water and other caffeinated beverages.
   • Wine, beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages.
   • Sodas, diet soda and other carbonated drinks.
   • Hot tea, hot water, and other beverages are warm or hot, as the heat can loosen the scabs that form on the gear teeth.
   • Do not use a straw when drinking water. The suction will put pressure on the wound and can make it difficult for the crust to form.

4. 

   Eat soft foods. Chewing on tough, tough foods will inevitably break the scabs that protect the delicate nerves. Eat mashed potatoes, soups, apple sauce, yogurt and other soft foods for the first two days. Gradually eat more, less soft foods as you eat them without feeling any pain. Avoid the following foods until the wound in your mouth has healed:
   • Chewy foods like beef and chicken.
   • Sticky foods like toffee or caramel.
   • Crispy foods like apples and chips.
   • Spicy foods can irritate and hinder recovery.

5. 

   Avoid smoking for as long as possible. Do not smoke for 24 hours after surgery. If you can stop smoking for a few more days, the wound will heal faster. Avoid chewing tobacco for at least 1 week after surgery. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Get help if you suspect you have alveolar osteitis

1. 

   Know when you have alveolar osteitis. Pain is not necessarily a sign that you have alveolar osteomyelitis if no other symptoms are present. However, if you notice an increase in pain 2 days after surgery with other symptoms, you may have alveolar osteitis. Usually, alveolar osteitis can heal on its own after 5 days and the pain goes away. All you need to do is keep your teeth clean and prevent food from getting stuck where you just pulled the teeth. Pay attention to the following issues to determine if you have alveolar osteitis:
   • Revealing bones. Look at the mouth at the surgical wound. If you can't see the scales and bones are exposed, you have alveolar osteitis.
   • Bad breath. Unpleasant breathing from the mouth may be a sign that the wound is not recovering properly.

2. 

   Get back to the dentist's office right away. Inflammation of the tooth drive needs to be treated by a dentist or surgeon to make sure the wound heals properly. The doctor will apply ointment and place gauze to help regenerate cells in the wound. You may also be prescribed pain relievers to deal with the increased pain that can spread from mouth to ear.
   • Follow your dentist's instructions when taking care of the inflamed tooth. Don't smoke or eat chewy foods, otherwise the condition will worsen.
   • Your doctor may ask you to come back to the clinic every day to change the gauze.
   • Eventually, new tissues will form on the alveoli, covering up the bones and open wounds containing nerves and blood vessels. It may take a month or more for the wound to heal.
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Warning

• Absolutely avoid using tobacco / tobacco products and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after tooth extraction.