We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Dry Socket?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,785
Share

Dry socket is a common complication which emerges after a tooth extraction. In this condition, the blood clot which normally forms after a tooth is removed either does not form, or is dislodged. As a result, the bone and nerves at the extraction site are exposed, causing considerable pain to the patient. This condition sometimes appears spontaneously, and in other cases it may emerge because a patient fails to follow aftercare directions. In either case, the treatment for dry socket is very straightforward.

A typical tooth extraction is quite painful on the day of the extraction, with pain levels which decrease over the following days. The decrease in pain is the result of a formation of a blood clot over the area of the jaw exposed by the extraction. The blood clot promotes the formation of new tissue which will eventually cover the area, protecting the delicate nerves and bone. Dry socket usually emerges one to three days after an extraction, and it manifests in the form of extreme pain which may radiate from the jaw.

Activities like smoking, spitting, and drinking from straws appear to increase the risk of developing dry socket. Failing to follow the recommendations of the dentist is another risk factor, as is a history of dry socket, and women who take oral contraceptives appear to be at greater risk as well. Even with the best care, however, sometimes a dry socket simply happens. In addition to pain, the condition can be accompanied with an unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath.

It is important to go to a dentist to treat dry socket. The dentist will flush the exposed socket with an antiseptic solution, and then pack it with a medicated dressing to prevent infection and promote healing. The patient may be given oral pain medications and sometimes antibiotics if the site appears infected. Patients may also be given self care directions for flushing and packing the dry socket at home.

The formal name for this condition is alveolar osteitis. Whatever one calls it, dry socket is extremely common, and the pain is usually intense enough to send people back to the dentist for follow-up treatment. If the condition is not treated, someone can develop a severe infection in the socket, which could potentially lead to sepsis. Untreated dry socket can also lead to lost time at work, as many people have trouble working when they are experiencing oral pain.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-dry-socket.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.