Your dentist will clean the tooth socket, removing any debris from the hole, and then fill the socket with a medicated dressing or a special paste to promote healing. You’ll probably have to come back to the dentist’s office every few days for a dressing change until the socket starts to heal and your pain lessens.
An Overview of Dry Socket
You probably think having a tooth pulled is not a particularly enjoyable experience. And you no doubt expect to have some discomfort afterward. But that’s OK, you say. You can endure it when you need to. But if the pain becomes intense and perhaps even worsen after a few days, it may be a symptom of a condition called dry socket, or alveolar osteitis.
Only a very small percentage — about 2% to 5% of people — develop dry socket after a tooth extraction. In those who have it, though, dry socket can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, it’s easily treatable.
The socket is the hole in the bone where the tooth has been removed. After a tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. Sometimes that clot can become dislodged or dissolve a couple of days after the extraction. That leaves the bone and nerve exposed to air, food, fluid, and anything else that enters the mouth. This can lead to infection and severe pain that can last for 5 or 6 days.
Who Is Likely to Get Dry Socket?
Some people may be more likely to get dry socket after having a tooth pulled. That includes people who:
- smoke
- have poor oral hygiene
- have wisdom teeth pulled
- have greater-than-usual trauma during the tooth extraction surgery
- use birth control pills
- have a history of dry socket after having teeth pulled
Rinsing and spitting a lot or drinking through a straw after having a tooth extracted also can raise your risk of getting dry socket.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Socket?
If you look into the site where the tooth was pulled, you’ll probably see a dry-looking opening. Instead of a dark blood clot, there will just be whitish bone. The pain typically starts about 2 days after the tooth was pulled. Over time it becomes more severe and can radiate to your ear.
Other symptoms of dry socket include bad breath and an unpleasant smell and taste in your mouth.
How Is Dry Socket Treated?
You can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to ease the discomfort. Sometimes these over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to relieve the pain. When that’s the case, your doctor may prescribe a stronger drug or will anesthetize the area.
Your dentist will clean the tooth socket, removing any debris from the hole, and then fill the socket with a medicated dressing or a special paste to promote healing. You’ll probably have to come back to the dentist’s office every few days for a dressing change until the socket starts to heal and your pain lessens.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the socket from becoming infected. To care for the dry socket at home, your dentist may recommend that you rinse with salt water or a special mouthwash every day.
What Can I Do to Prevent Dry Socket?
Because smoking is a big risk factor for dry socket, avoid cigarettes, cigars, and any other tobacco products for a day or so after your surgery. If you take birth control pills, ask your dentist about performing the extraction on a day when you are getting the lowest dose of estrogen. The hormone can affect the ability of the blood to clot. Also, check with your dentist about other medications you are taking that can interfere with normal blood clotting.
After surgery, avoid drinking through a straw and spitting for the first few days. Also don’t rinse your mouth more than your dentist recommends. If you do rinse, do so gently. Be sure to visit your dentist for all scheduled follow-up visits.
Show Sources
American Dental Association: “Dry Socket.”
Reekie, D, Downes, P, Devlin, CV, Nixon, GM, Devlin, H. British Dental Journal, 2006; vol. 200: pp. 210-213.
Roberts J, Custalow C, Hedges, J. Roberts: Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, 4 th ed, Elsevier, 2004.
What Is a Dry Socket?
The typical scenario for a dry socket is the occurrence of throbbing pain about two to four days after the tooth is extracted. Dry socket pain is often accompanied by bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth. With this onset of pain, it is obvious that proper healing has been interrupted.
A dry socket is a condition in which there is inflammation of the jawbone (or alveolar bone) after tooth extraction. It is also referred to as “alveolar osteitis” and is one of the many complications that can occur from a tooth extraction.
- The occurrence of a dry socket is relatively rare, occurring in about 2% of tooth extractions.
- However, that percentage rises to at least 20% when it involves the removal of mandibular impacted third molars (lower wisdom teeth).
Dry Socket and Tooth Extraction
What is the treatment for dry socket?
A dry socket is a condition that may result after a tooth extraction if the blood clot that normally fills the socket is lost. The dry socket leaves underlying nerves exposed, which is very painful. The condition is treated by a dentist who cleans the wound and places a special dressing into the socket. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may be used to treat pain and decrease swelling.
Dry sockets can be caused by bacterial, chemical, mechanical, or physiological factors. Source: iStock
What causes dry socket?
A dry socket is caused by the partial or total loss of a blood clot in the tooth socket after tooth extraction. Normally, after a tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form as the first step in healing to cover and protect the underlying jawbone. If the blood clot is lost or does not form, the bone is exposed and healing is delayed.
In general, a dry socket is a result of bacterial, chemical, mechanical, and physiologic factors. Below are examples for each:
- Bacterial: Preexisting infection that is present in the mouth prior to a dental extraction such as periodontal disease (or periodontitis) can prevent the proper formation of a blood clot. Certain oral bacteria can cause the breakdown of the clot.
- Chemical: Nicotine used by smokers causes a decrease in the blood supply in the mouth. As a result, the blood clot may fail to form at the site of recent tooth extraction.
- Mechanical: Sucking through a straw, aggressive rinsing, spitting, or dragging on a cigarette causes dislodgement and loss of the blood clot.
- Physiologic: Hormones, dense jawbone, or poor blood supply are factors that prevent blood clot formation.
In order to prevent dry sockets, you should not smoke. Prior to tooth extraction, risk factors for developing a dry socket include smoking. Source: iStock
What are risk factors for getting dry socket?
Prior to tooth extraction, risk factors for developing a dry socket include smoking, the presence of an impacted wisdom tooth, being female, and being above the age of 30.
Smoking is a risk factor for developing a dry socket due to the nicotine found in cigarettes. Exposure to nicotine reduces the blood supply available to the healing socket and can prevent the proper formation of a blood clot at the extraction site.
Extraction of impacted third molars (wisdom teeth) can be traumatic as some surrounding gum tissue and jawbone may need to be removed or may be adversely affected during surgery. Although the extraction is necessary, the resulting trauma can increase the chances of a dry socket.
Previous infections such as periodontal disease or pericoronitis at the site of the extraction can predispose an individual to a dry socket.
Women have been found to develop a dry socket more so than men. This may be related to hormonal factors such as the use of oral contraceptives or normal hormonal changes during a woman’s cycle.
Patients older than 30 years of age with impacted third molars have an increased risk of dry sockets. With age, the jawbone becomes denser and has less blood supply available. A dense jawbone increases the risk of a traumatic extraction and less blood supply decreases the chances of blood clot formation and timely healing.
A tell-tale sign is a socket that has a partial or total loss of a blood clot. Symptoms of dry sockets are often painful. Source: Bigstock
What are dry socket signs and symptoms?
A tell-tale sign is a socket that has a partial or total loss of a blood clot. The jawbone may be visible in the socket and the surrounding tissue may appear gray due to poor healing.
Early signs and symptoms of a dry socket include the following:
- A throbbing steady pain presents a few days after tooth extraction.
- The pain may radiate to other parts of the head such as the ears and eyes on the same side of the face.
- Bad breath and a bad taste may also be present due to the accumulation of food debris and bacteria in the socket.
QUESTION
A dentist can diagnose dry sockets based on a physical exam and symptoms. Source: Getty Images
How is dry socket diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a dry socket is based on the history of dental treatment, clinical examination, and the individual’s symptoms. The timing of when symptoms begin may be an indicator of a dry socket. During normal healing, the discomfort of extraction should lessen over time. However, if the pain increases, this is an indication that healing is delayed and could possibly be due to a dry socket.
- Typically, symptoms of a dry socket develop two to four days after tooth extraction.
- Most dry sockets happen within the first week after tooth extraction.
What is the treatment for dry socket?
Treatment usually involves symptomatic support while the socket heals.
- Initially, the dentist will gently irrigate to clear the socket of food debris.
- Next, an analgesic medicated dressing or packing is placed within the socket to cover the exposed bone. This usually provides immediate relief. This dressing may need to be replaced every few days during the healing process. The dressing is often coated with “dry socket paste,” which is made up of ingredients with pain-relieving properties, including eugenol (clove oil).
- Additionally, medications can be prescribed to manage the pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil or Aleve) or
- narcotics (such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen [Vicodin]) are often used to relieve pain.
Health News
- Americans Getting More Comfortable Talking Over Mental Health With Doctors
- Surge in Severe Strep Cases in Kids Was Really a Return to Normal: CDC
- For Baby’s Sake, Moms-to-Be Need the Whooping Cough Vaccine: CDC
- Flu Shot Could Be a Lifesaver for Folks With Chronic Ills
- Long COVID Risk May Be Especially High for Cancer Patients
- More Health News »
Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to treat a painful dry socket. Source: Getty Images
Are there home remedies for dry socket?
Home treatment for a dry socket usually involves temporary management of pain until a dental professional can be seen for treatment. Methods to provide some relief include
- the use of over-the-counter pain medications for pain management,
- a cold compress, or an insulated ice pack on the affected side of the face (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off),
- rinsing with salt water to remove food debris, and
- use of clove oil (place one to two drops of clove oil on a clean cotton swab and gently apply to the affected area).
Again, these methods are only for temporary relief of pain. Delaying a follow-up visit with the dentist or surgeon could prolong the pain as well as the recovery time.
What is the average healing time for dry socket?
Average healing time is seven to 10 days, as this is the amount of time it takes for new tissue to grow to cover the exposed socket.
IMAGES
Do not use a straw when drinking after a tooth extraction to prevent dry sockets. Source: iStock
What is the prognosis for dry socket?
Prognosis is good as there usually are no long-term consequences. Once the tissue is able to cover the bone, the healing will progress normally.
Is it possible to prevent a dry socket?
The prevention of developing a dry socket may be influenced by the methods used by the dentist or surgeon performing the tooth extraction. Such preventive methods include
- placement of packing at the surgery with or without antibiotics (for example, tetracycline) and/or
- placement of sutures to protect the blood clot. These details can be discussed with the dentist or surgeon prior to the procedure to determine if these preventive methods would be recommended.
After extraction, there are a few day-to-day activities that should be avoided: smoking, drinking with a straw, and vigorous spitting or rinsing.
Diet should be a soft food diet. The area should be kept as clean as possible with gentle rinsing with an antibacterial solution such as chlorhexidine rinse (Peridex). This oral rinse can be prescribed by your surgeon. It is important to follow any special instructions given by the dentist or surgeon in caring for the extraction site at home.
Lastly, recent studies have shown that the incidence of a dry socket in women is significantly decreased when tooth extractions are performed during their menstrual period (menses). When teeth extractions can be electively planned, the recommendation is to perform this procedure during the menstrual period. In this way, the risk of a dry socket due to cycle-related hormonal changes can be eliminated.
Subscribe to MedicineNet’s General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet’s Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet’s subscriptions at any time.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
- Penis Curved When Erect
- Could I have CAD?
- Treat Bent Fingers
- Treat HR+, HER2- MBC
- Tired of Dandruff?
- Life with Cancer
Medically Reviewed on 4/22/2022
ReferencesCongiusta, M. A. and A. Veitz-Keenan. “Study confirms certain risk factors for development of alveolar osteitis.” Evidence-Based Dentistry 14.3 (2013): 86.
Daly, B., et al. “Local interventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket).” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 12.12 (2012).
Eshghpour, M., et al. “Effect of menstrual cycle on frequency of alveolar osteitis in women undergoing surgical removal of mandibular third molar: a single-blind randomized clinical trial.” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 71.9 (2013): 1484-1489.
Hita-Iglesias, P., et al. “Effectiveness of chlorhexidine gel versus chlorhexidine rinse in reducing alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery.” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 66.3 (2008): 441-445.
Peterson, L., et al. Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1993.
Top Dry Socket Overview Related Articles
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is an infection within a tooth that has spread to the root. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth may include pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, and the presence of a pus-filled lesion on the gum. A dental professional diagnoses an abscessed tooth and dental X-rays may be required. An abscessed tooth is treated with a root canal.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be made worse by the types of food eaten and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Dental Problems: Tooth Decay, TMJ, Mouth Pain Causes & Treatments
Do you have a toothache? What is oral cancer? Symptoms like mouth pain and sensitive teeth can indicate dental problems. Learn the causes of painful problems in your mouth like tooth decay, TMJ, and dry mouth. See how bad breath starts, and how to fight bad breath with dental treatments that work.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that are anchored into the jawbone in order to secure and provide a foundation for replacement teeth. Implants look and feel like your own teeth, and they become permanent because they are designed to fuse with bone. Dental implants require the same care as reel teeth.
Dental Health Quiz
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!
Menstruation (Menstrual Cycle)
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a “period.” When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman’s period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack of a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are used for different pain treatment and management purposes. There are many different types of nerve blocks for specific areas of the body. A plexus or ganglion is a group of nerves that causes pain to a specific area of the body. The pain area is injected with a nerve-numbing substance called a nerve block.
Pain Management
- complex regional pain syndrome,
- interstitial cystitis,
- and irritable bowel syndrome.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gum tissue around the molars. Pericoronitis commonly occurs in teens or young people when the wisdom teeth erupt. Symptoms include pain, swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty opening the mouth. Pericoronitis can be diagnosed by a dentist and is treated with pain medication. Severe cases may be treated with surgery.
Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure that’s used to save an infected tooth. Treatment involves removing the tooth’s nerve and pulp and then cleaning and sealing the tooth. Symptoms and signs that indicate a root canal is needed include toothache, discoloration, swelling, tenderness, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, and a persistent pimple on the gums. Typically, a root canal is no more painful than having a filling placed.
Chewing Tobacco (Smokeless Tobacco, Snuff)
People absorb more nicotine into their systems by chewing tobacco (snuff or smokeless tobacco) than by smoking a cigarette. Chewing tobacco or snuff can cause cancers, poor oral health (gum disease and tooth decay), infertility, pregnancy complications, and nicotine addiction. Nicotine addiction can be overcome with available prescription drugs and other treatment programs.
Mouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and More
Sores, painful gums, bad breath — what’s going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems. Learn about canker sores, cold sores, oral thrush, TMJ, and oral cancer. See what treatments for bad breath and other dental problems are available from your dentist.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that people get in their late teens or early twenties. Impacted wisdom teeth that only partially erupt allows for an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection, which results in pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and general illness. Before your wisdom teeth are pulled, the teeth and the surrounding tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Recovery from wisdom tooth removal depends upon the difficulty of the extraction.
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
