As with almost any oral complication, dry sockets are a very painful and overbearing problem to be faced with. Most people will prefer to have a tooth extraction performed rather than other dental methods such as a root canal expecting there would be very little or no complications once the tooth has been removed. However, a few unfortunate individuals will suffer from a very painful condition known as a dry socket that occurs at the site of the tooth that was previously extracted. I say small percentage because of the fact that recent studies have shown that only about 2% to 5% of all individuals suffering from the condition will ever face the problem. To be able to deal effectively with the problem of a dry socket, one must have a clear understanding of exactly what causes the condition. Essentially, a dry socket is a hole present in the jaw bone at the position of the extracted tooth. Once a tooth has been extracted, the natural healing process starts by the formation of a blood clot to provide protection for the nerves and tissues underneath. In the event the blood clot is either dislodged or happens to dissolve. The underlying bone and nerve is then exposed to air, food and water which significantly increases the likelihood of infection and pain that can go on for a few days. The condition is more common when the tooth extracted was present towards the back of the jaw because this area of the mouth receives poor circulation as compared to the frontal area of the jaw. Under normal conditions the healing process of tooth extraction is around two months. The development of dry sockets only prolongs this process.
A dry socket can be easily identified by looking into your mouth with the help of a mirror and, specifically, at the site of tooth extraction. If all that you see is bone instead of a blood clot then you have a dry socket. The pain will usually start a couple of days after the extraction. Just as you mentioned, the use of a tea bag is known to have a very beneficial effect. All you need to do is place a cold tea bag over the affected area of the jaw and bite down on it with your teeth. The benefits of the tea bag are the result of the tannic acid present within the tea bag.
answered by G M