Tooth Extraction Site Sensitive to Air: Causes, Remedies and When to Seek Help

Tooth Extraction Site Sensitive to Air: Causes and Treatment

If you've recently had a tooth extracted, it's common to experience some sensitivity and discomfort afterwards. However, if the extraction site is extremely sensitive to air, it could indicate a problem. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss the potential causes of tooth extraction site sensitivity to air and the various treatment options available.

Why Does a Tooth Extraction Site Become Sensitive to Air?

There are several possible reasons why an extraction site may be painful and sensitive to air:

• Exposed dentin - When a tooth is extracted, the enamel layer is removed exposing the underlying dentin which contains microscopic tubules that lead directly to the nerve. These tubules allow hot, cold, or air stimulation to reach the nerve and trigger pain.
• Infection - An extraction site can become infected, resulting in inflammation and severe sensitivity.
• Dry socket - This painful condition occurs when a blood clot fails to form properly in the extraction socket or gets dislodged too soon. The exposed bone is directly open to air, food, and liquid stimulation.
• Nerve damage - Sometimes the nerves may be bruised or damaged during extraction, causing lingering sensitivity.
• Trapped food debris - Small food particles can get lodged in the extraction site, causing irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity.
• Blood clot loss - Premature loss of a blood clot from the socket makes the area painfully sensitive.

Home Remedies to Soothe a Sensitive Tooth Extraction Site

If the sensitivity is mild, you can try these home remedies to find relief:

• Salt water rinse - Rinsing with warm salt water 2-3 times a day keeps the area clean and draws out fluid and bacteria.
• Cold compress - Gently holding a cold compress against the cheek near the extraction site helps constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and pain.
• Avoid irritants - Steer clear of alcohol mouthwashes, tobacco, spicy foods, and crunchy foods that could disturb the clot.
• Over-the-counter pain medication - Anti-inflammatory pills like ibuprofen can alleviate sensitivity discomfort.
• Topical anesthetics - Applying topical numbing ointments with lidocaine or benzocaine on the area gives temporary pain relief.
• Clove oil - thanks to its natural anesthetic compounds, a diluted clove oil swish provides fast relief.

Professional Treatments Options for Sensitive Extraction Sites

If home care doesn't solve the problem, see your dentist promptly for an evaluation. The following professional treatments may be recommended:

• Medicated packing - Placing a medicated dressing or pack on the socket helps control infection and encourages healing.
• Debridement - If granulation tissue has formed, trimming it away relieves irritation.
• Medication - Prescription antibacterial mouthwash or antibiotic pills/ointment may be prescribed if needed.
• Endodontic treatment - If a fractured tooth root left in the socket is causing pain, a root canal procedure can remove it.
• Extraction site revision - Occasionally, trimming sharp bone edges or suturing the gums helps manage sensitivity.
• Root tip removal - Any retained root tips complicating healing may need surgical removal.

Tips to Prevent Post-Extraction Sensitivity

You can help minimize sensitivity problems after having a tooth pulled by:

• Using ice packs - Apply ice packs to the face during the first 24 hours to reduce inflammation.
• Biting on gauze - Maintaining firm pressure by biting on the gauze helps form a good clot.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol - These activities impede healing and increase pain.
• Sticking to soft foods - Eat only lukewarm soft foods like yogurt, oatmeal, eggs for a few days.
• Practicing good oral hygiene - Gentle saltwater rinses keep debris from getting trapped.
• Limiting activity- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after extraction.
• Taking medication - Stay on top of prescribed antibiotics or pain pills as directed.

When to See Your Dentist

Consult your dentist right away if you notice any of these worrisome signs:

• Increasing swelling or pus drainage
• Spreading redness
• Bad breath or foul taste
• Sensitive tooth extraction site is unable to eat or drink
• Fever above 100°F
• Fatigue
• Excessive bleeding that won't stop

Leaving an infected or irritated extraction site untreated can have serious consequences like medication-resistant infection spread. So don't delay in getting professional help.

When to Expect Full Healing After a Tooth Extraction

It takes about 2 to 3 weeks for an extraction site to fully heal in most cases. But if complications have occurred, complete healing may take longer. Factors affecting healing duration include:

• Overall health - Illnesses like diabetes or immune disorders slow healing.
• Medications - Blood thinners, steroids, and some other drugs delay healing.
• Smoking - Tobacco smoke chemicals restrict blood flow.
• Oral hygiene - Poor hygiene increases bacterial contamination risk.
• Food impaction - Trapped food particles prolong healing.
• Infection - Controlling infection is vital for proper healing.

Even after the site looks completely healed, bone regeneration continues underneath for several months. So being very gentle with extraction sites initially helps prevent future problems.

When Does Tooth Extraction Sensitivity Go Away?

It's normal for the extraction site to be sore and sensitive for the first few days. But severe sensitivity lasting over a week needs attention. Here's a general timeline of when sensitivity tends to resolve after a simple, uncomplicated extraction:

• Day 1 - 3: Moderate to severe pain that peaks on day 2 or 3.
• Day 4 - 5: Discomfort subsides to mild sensitivity.
• Day 6 - 7: Sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli lingers.
• Day 8+: Pain gradually fades though some sensitivity can remain for up to 2 weeks.

If sensitivity has not reduced after 2 weeks, an underlying issue likely needs treatment. So don't hesitate to call your dentist.

In Conclusion

Experiencing tooth extraction site sensitivity to air is common initially but should steadily improve within 7 to 14 days. Use home remedies to manage mild discomfort. But seek prompt professional help if severe sensitivity accompanied by other symptoms persists. Controlling infection and inflammation is key to relieving sensitivity. With proper care and follow-up, extraction sites heal well, and sensitivity eventually resolves allowing normal eating and drinking.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.