Blood clot fell out of tooth extraction site. what do i do? had surgery 8 hours ago and did not bleed much and now my blood clot fell out and i'm worried about dry socket. it's in the rear bottom molar.

This : This is a good question. How are you feeling today? Are you in a lot of pain? Is the area extremely sore or sensitive? If not, then you may be fine regarding the dry socket concern you have. Just because the clot was dislodged does not mean you will have a dry socket issue. Give it a day if you are not in extreme pain, otherwise call your dentist and have him/her evaluate your condition.

This : This does not necessarily mean that you are going to have a dry socket as a new clot may have been established. Typically the symptoms of dry socket manifest themselves as an intense pain, usually in the lower jaw at the extraction site that radiates to the ear or neck. This pain occurs about the third day post-extraction and is a stabbing sensation. "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.

Prevent dry socket: Rinse with warm salt water every 4 -6 hours and keep a good oral hygiene to prevent dry socket.