Dry socket//tooth extraction?!

Dry socket//tooth extraction?

i'm having a broken tooth taken out sometime next week, & my mom told me about dry socket, and i freaked out. it's my very back tooth that caused me to have an infection throughout my sinuses & right side of my jaw.

i'm more worried about the recovery than i am the actual procedure. any way i can rest assured that i won't get 'dry socket'?

4 weeks ago
i don't smoke, & i know not to drink through a staw. anything else?

As a dentist myself, I can assure you that your dentist will go over any post extraction recommendations that he/she may have. As a general rule the following should be avoided during the first 72-96 hours (3-4 days) to lessen your chances of dry socket: no smoking, no drinking from a straw, and no strenuous exercise. Dry socket is a condition in which the blood clot in the extraction site becomes dislodged allowing food debris and bacteria to enter into the socket. After the first 24 hours you should begin rinsing your mouth with warm salty water, this will help prevent infection and also help any food etc from entering the socket. Your dentist may also write you a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication, if he.she does then then be sure to take the medication as directed and follow any other instructions they give you. Just make sure you take it easy for the first few days and everything should be fine. Good luck!