Dry socket, also known clinically as alveolar osteitis, is a condition that sometimes develops after having a tooth extracted. It causes intense pain as a result of the bone and nerve at the extraction site being exposed. The condition is usually treated with pain relievers, medicated dressings, and flushing of the socket.

Symptoms of dry socket usually appear within 1-3 days and may heal on their own within 10 days. Contacting your dentist if you suspect dry socket is typically recommended to prevent infection, speed up the healing process, and reduce the pain caused by the condition.

How Does Dry Socket Occur?

Usually, when you get a tooth removed, a blood clot will form over the extraction site. This blood vessel is meant to provide protection while the area heals. Sometimes, the blood vessel doesn’t form or becomes dislodged. In this case, the nerve and bone are exposed and can cause pain and potentially infection. Up to five percent of all tooth extractions result in dry socket.[1]

Symptoms of Dry Socket

If you have a dry socket, you’ll typically begin to experience symptoms between one and three days after having your tooth removed. Some symptoms of dry socket may include:[2]

• Severe pain
• Visible bone in the socket
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Pain that spreads to the ear, eye, head, or neck

Cause of Dry Socket

The risk of dry socket is low, affecting only two to five percent of all tooth extractions. However, dry socket may be more common after the extraction of the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. Experts believe the cause of dry socket is bacteria that get into the socket after the tooth is removed or an injury at the extraction site during tooth removal. Other risk factors for dry socket include:[3]

• Oral contraceptives
• Tooth infection
• Gum infection
• Smoking or using tobacco
• Not following aftercare instructions

How to Prevent Dry Socket

Dry socket is a painful condition, but there may be things you can do to prevent it, such as:[4]

• Follow instructions from your dentist carefully, following the procedure.
• Avoid the use of straws after tooth removal.
• Avoid tobacco or smoking.
• Avoid warm or carbonated beverages during the healing process.
• Eat only soft foods as you heal.

If you’re concerned about dry socket developing, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about other preventative methods prior to having your tooth removed.

Dry Socket Treatment

Dry socket usually heals on its own within about ten days, but your dentist may recommend treatments to ease your pain and prevent or address infection. Some of the usual treatments for dry socket include:[5]

• Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Irrigation with salt water or a medicated mouthwash
• Medicated dressings using numbing substances like lidocaine or eugenol
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent infection

Professional treatment isn’t always necessary for dry socket and it isn’t usually considered an emergency, but a dentist can make recommendations that can reduce the pain and result in a quicker recovery.

At-Home Care for Dry Socket

There may be some things you can do at home to ease the symptoms of dry socket and promote healing. Some home remedies may include:[6]

• Rinsing with salt water
• Applying cold packs to your cheek near the extraction site
• Apply honey to a piece of gauze and place it directly on the empty socket
• Sip chamomile tea or apply cooled tea bags to the extraction site
• Rub some Oregon oil or tea tree oil on the dry socket several times daily, or put it on gauze and then apply

While symptoms may begin to resolve within a few days of at-home care, it’s essential to monitor your condition and call your dentist at the first signs of infection.

Practice Good Oral Health

Dry socket can be a painful condition, but it may be preventable. Even if you do develop dry socket, there are effective treatment methods that can help you heal faster and experience less pain in the meantime. Be sure to continue practicing good oral health after a tooth extraction. If bacteria get into the empty socket, you could get a more serious infection. Brushing and flossing frequently is never a bad idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding dry socket.