Are root canal teeth more likely to cause dry socket when extracted?

[JcMac]

One of my (many) dental fears (and I wouldn't really call them phobias since I think they're justified) is getting a dry socket. I have no wisdom teeth, but it can also happen after normal tooth extraction. The odds are quite low for non-wisdom teeth, but they get higher the more difficult or traumatic the extraction is. I've heard that root canal treated teeth will often break in pieces when extracted, or also sometimes the filling material fuses with the jaw bone leading to a more difficult extraction.

So is extraction of root canal treated teeth usually traumatic? Are the odds of dry socket that much higher with the extraction of root canal teeth?

 

[Dr M]

It all depends on how the tooth looks like, prior to the extraction, root canal treated or not. A normal carious tooth can fracture into smaller pieces as well. A dry socket is due to a host of factors, including, but not limited to the condition of the tooth prior to extraction, skill of the surgeon performing the extraction, location of the tooth ( upper or lower jaw ), medical history of the patient and if the patient follows the post op instructions as given by the dentist.
I have removed loads of root canal treated teeth without any complication. I would not say the incidence is higher.

 

[JcMac]

I have removed loads of root canal treated teeth without any complication. I would not say the incidence is higher.

Phew, glad to know! Thanks.

 

[Naman Dentist]

Extraction of root canal treated teeth can sometimes be difficult because the tooth may break or the filling material may adhere to the bone. This can cause more trauma during extraction, which might increase the chances of dry socket, but it mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s condition.

 

[JcMac]

Extraction of root canal treated teeth can sometimes be difficult because the tooth may break or the filling material may adhere to the bone. This can cause more trauma during extraction, which might increase the chances of dry socket, but it mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s condition.

So in your personal experience as a dentist, do root canal treated tooth tend to lead to bigger odds of dry socket when extracted, vs the same tooth without previous RCT?

 

[Naman Dentist]

So in your personal experience as a dentist, do root canal treated tooth tend to lead to bigger odds of dry socket when extracted, vs the same tooth without previous RCT?

A root canal-treated tooth doesn’t directly cause dry socket, but it may be more fragile and prone to complications during extraction. Any lingering infection could also slightly increase the risk.

 

[nagudentalspeciality]

No, root canal-treated teeth are not more likely to cause dry socket than normal teeth when they are extracted.

Here's why:

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves too quickly, leaving the bone and nerves exposed.

This condition is most common in lower wisdom teeth, specifically not root canal-treated teeth.

How to prevent dry socket:

• Follow all post-extraction care instructions
• Avoid smoking, spitting or using straws for 48-72 hours
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Take prescribed medications if given

The risk of dry socket in a tooth with a root canal is not high in itself. The main thing is to ensure the proper technique of extraction and careful aftercare is followed to minimise any complications.