Alveolar osteitis, commonly known as dry socket, is a painful condition that can occur when healing from a tooth extraction. While it’s typically associated with wisdom teeth removal, it can occur after any type of extraction when the blood clot in the socket is dislodged or doesn’t form properly.
If you’re preparing to get your wisdom teeth out or need an extraction for a different reason, it’s important to understand the risks and know what to expect. At VIP Smiles, we want you to have all the information you need to ensure the healing process goes smoothly and prevent unnecessary pain. Keep reading to learn about the post-extraction healing process, the causes of dry socket, how to tell if you have it, treatment options, and prevention tips.
What Happens After Tooth Extraction?
Teeth can be extracted for a number of reasons: your mouth doesn’t have room for them, you’re preparing for dentures or implants, or the tooth is damaged beyond repair.
Normally, after the dentist has extracted the tooth, a blood clot will form in the socket where the tooth once was. The blood clot’s job is to protect the underlying bone and nerves while the tissue gradually regenerates and your body heals. Without the blood clot, your sensitive bone and nerves are exposed, leading to pain and sensitivity and increasing the risk of infection.
What Causes Dry Socket?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is absent after an extraction, whether it got dislodged, didn’t form in the first place, or breaks down before the healing process is complete. It’s more likely to occur if you smoke or use tobacco, take oral contraceptives, have poor oral hygiene, drink through a straw too soon after your extraction, rinse or spit too vigorously, or eat hard or chewy foods. It’s most common after lower wisdom tooth extractions, but can happen with any extraction.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Socket
After having an extraction, be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms of dry socket:
- Severe pain beginning a few days after the procedure
- Pain radiating to your ear, eye, temple, or neck
- An empty-looking socket where bone may be visible
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
Some pain and discomfort are normal after a tooth extraction; however, symptoms can typically be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. If the pain is intense and doesn’t resolve within a few days — especially when paired with other symptoms — it’s a good indication that you may have dry socket.
When to Call the Dentist
You should call your dentist if the pain intensifies after the third day post-extraction; there are signs of infection like swelling, a fever, or pus; there’s a persistent foul taste or odor in your mouth, or you have any other concerns about the healing process. They’ll likely have you come in for an appointment where they’ll examine the extraction site and determine whether you have dry socket, an infection, or other complications interfering with the healing process.
How Dry Socket Is Treated
While dry socket is painful, the good news is that it’s not typically serious. With proper care, it usually resolves within 7–10 days.
The goal of treatment is to provide pain relief and promote healing. Your dentist may gently clean the area, apply medicated dressings to protect it, and prescribe pain medication or suggest over-the-counter medications. If there’s infection, they may prescribe antibiotics. You may need to attend follow-up visits, as well, to ensure the extraction site is healing properly.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
To prevent dry socket, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s post-extraction care instructions carefully. Avoid smoking or using tobacco for several days, do not use straws, don’t drink warm or fizzy beverages, and stick to soft foods. Maintain proper oral hygiene, but be gentle and avoid vigorous rinsing. If your dentist has any further instructions for you, such as using ice packs to relieve discomfort, make sure you do that, too.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions by VIP Smiles
If you need an extraction — whether it’s your wisdom teeth or another tooth — trust the team at VIP Smiles to provide you with the excellent dental care you deserve. We understand that care doesn’t end when you go home — we’ll be there to guide you through recovery, ensure proper healing, and help you avoid dry socket. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help you achieve a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.
