Dry Socket

Dry Socket, also known medically as alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that can develop after a tooth extraction when the normal blood clot in the socket is lost or does not form. It commonly appears two to five days after the extraction and causes intense, persistent pain that may radiate to the ear or temple, along with a bad taste or unpleasant breath and an exposed-looking socket where the clot should be.

Diagnosis is made by a dental professional through examination of the extraction site, and management focuses on controlling pain and protecting the area to allow healing; this can include gentle cleaning of the socket, placement of a medicated dressing, and use of analgesics. Healing often begins within a few days after appropriate care and is usually complete within one to two weeks, and risk is reduced by following post-extraction instructions such as avoiding smoking, not using straws, and maintaining good oral hygiene.