Can I have dry socket even after placing bone graft in the extracted socket?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had an extraction of a molar in the morning, and a bone graft was placed over it. My surgeon placed a collagen plug over it to make the graft to stay in place. Can I have a blood clot below it? I am afraid of getting a dry socket. Last time, I had a dry socket, when I had a wisdom tooth removal, and I am scared.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First, remove the fear present in your mind. A bone graft with a membrane prevents dry socket formation, and it creates a better environment for socket healing. A bone graft is not fully utilized in the socket, as it is a foreign material. Some amount of graft is rejected in the body. It is a routine defense mechanism.

In your case, you cannot see blood clots in the socket, as it is covered with a membrane. You have to wait for at least three to five days. Do not try to see it again and again. It can disrupt the normal healing process. Follow proper oral hygiene and follow all the instructions given by the surgeon. Take medications on time.

I hope this helps.