Dry sockets and wisdom teeth extraction? i had all of my wisdom teeth removed yesterday and am wondering if it's safe to swallow because it creates suctions and might break the clot.

Swallowing : Swallowing in and of itself should not cause a dry socket. "dry socket" refers to a condition where the blood clot that develops in the socket after a tooth extraction breaks down or is sucked out resulting in the exposure of the underlying bone. This this condition exposes the underlying nerves leading to extreme pain, death of the superficial layer of exposed bone and delayed healing. Pain medications are not capable of controlling the pain. Treatment, performed by the extracting dentist, consists of irrigating the socket out to remove debris and placing a sedative dressing. This procedure is repeated over the next several days. Patients at high risk include smokers who inhale the hot caustic gases. Trying to smoke with gauze in the mouth does not prevent dry sockets. Though second hand smoke has been documented to have a detrimental effect on your health it will not in and of itself cause a dry socket.

Simple : Simple swallowing is allowed. What is not is vigerous rinsing and spitting; drinking through a straw and smoking are the two biggest no-nos. "breaking" the clot is not the problem, dislodging it is! any strong pressure in or out is bad. You must eat and drink, so swallowing is just fine.