Dry Socket Relief

I feel good! For the most part, anyway. :) I can confidently say that I only have mild discomfort now. Yay! I thought I'd post the things that worked to relieve my dry socket pain, in case any of you (God Forbid) have to go through it too . . .

Dry Socket Relief Essentials

Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a germicidal mouthwash that reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is used to treat gingivitis (swelling, redness, bleeding gums). Chlorhexidine gluconate is usually prescribed by a dentist.

* I used this in place of amoxcillan since the amoxicllian was making me sick. It tastes like your typical minty mouthwash and feels good on your gums. I use it in the morning and before bed.

Advil, ibuprofen

 Advil Tablets temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps, common cold. 

* I have a very very hard time swallowing pills and I'm usually unsuccessful in my attempts to swallow the,, but advil is candy coated so there's a sweet coating instead of that chemical medicine taste when you put it on your tongue and the pills are about as big as m&m's. I started taking just one pill every few hours, but graduated to taking 2-3 pills every few hours - haven't gotten to 4 yet (doc recommended 4) and don't think I will, but definitely would have if i had them last week at the peak of pain.

Monoject Syringe

My OS gave me this needle-less syringe to use to clean out my extraction sites. At first it hurt a little to irrigate the dry sockets, but you can control the water pressure yourself and figure out how to make it work. It's a fantastic tool to use after meals! Use room temperature or warm water, cold water can be very uncomfortable. Alternatively, you can use a waterpik.

Boost High Protein Drink

Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. Because your body doesn’t store protein, it’s essential to have an adequate daily protein intake — especially if you lead an active, energetic lifestyle. By giving you nearly a third of the daily recommended value, BOOST High Protein Drink and now in Powder form, are great sources of the protein needed to enjoy and keep paced with your busy life. 

*A nutritious diet with plenty of protein and calcium will help healing.

 

Oil of Clove(s)/ Clove Oil

 

The health benefits of clove oil can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. The oil is used for treating a variety of health disorders including toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headache, stress and blood impurities.The most prominent use of clove oil is in dental care. The germicidal properties of the oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, tooth ache, sore gums and mouth ulcers. Clove oil contains the compound eugenol, which has been used in dentistry since numerous years.

* Your OS can pack your extraction sites with gauze soaked  in oil of cloves or with a oil of clove putty. I had both and believe that the gauze worked much better than the putty b/c the putty disintegrates and falls apart in your mouth making you swallow glue like junk and doesn't last as long as the gauze, but gauze needs to be replaced every 1-2 days. I also bought a bottle, myself to use. I soaked a q-tip in water then dripped a few drops of the oil on the q-tip and held it against (not in) my extraction sites for some relief! Careful, it can burn so make sure to dilute.

Vitamin Water

 

I'm a big fan of vitamin water. Stay hydrated!

I hope you never have to experience the pain of dry sockets, but if you do now you have an idea of where you can get relief.