You have just had a tooth taken out. A few days later, the pain gets worse instead of better. You look in the mirror and the extraction site looks strange — pale and empty where a clot should be. You are wondering if this is normal healing or something that needs attention.

It could be a dry socket. Here is what that means and what to do about it.

What Is Dry Socket?

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the socket — the hole in your jawbone where the tooth used to be. This clot is protective. It covers the bone and nerve inside the socket while the area heals. Dry socket happens when that clot either does not form properly or gets dislodged before the wound has healed.

Without the clot, the bone and nerve are exposed. That is what causes the pain.

How to Recognise It

The most obvious sign is pain — and it is usually worse than the original toothache. It often starts a couple of days after the extraction and can spread to your ear, temple, or jaw on that same side. Over-the-counter pain relief does not touch it very well.

Looking at the site, you will notice it looks different from a normal healing socket. Instead of a dark blood clot, it appears pale and empty — like dry bone. There might be a greyish film over it. The surrounding gum may also look red and inflamed.

You might also notice a foul taste or bad breath that does not go away. That is from food debris and bacteria collecting in the exposed socket.

Why Does It Happen?

Some people are more prone to dry socket than others. Smoking is a significant risk factor — the suction from smoking can pull the clot out, and chemicals in tobacco slow healing. Using a straw in the first few days after extraction is also a risk for the same reason. Poor oral hygiene, having a difficult extraction, or taking oral contraceptives can also increase the risk.

Sometimes it just happens, even when you have done everything right. That is worth knowing so you do not blame yourself if it does occur.

What to Do If You Think You Have It

Contact your dentist. Dry socket is not an emergency, but it does need treatment. Your dentist will clean the socket and may place a medicated dressing to soothe the area and protect it. You might need to come back a few times for dressing changes.

In the meantime, keep the area clean. Your dentist may recommend a mild saltwater rinse to flush out debris without dislodging anything further. Stick to soft foods and avoid the affected side when chewing.

Can It Be Prevented?

Not always, but you can reduce the risk. Do not smoke before or after your extraction. Avoid straws for at least a week. Follow your dentist instructions on caring for the wound. If you are on the contraceptive pill, let your dentist know — they may schedule the extraction for a particular point in your cycle to reduce risk.

Dry socket is uncomfortable, but it is treatable. The sooner you get it looked at, the sooner the pain eases.

Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice