Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a painful dental complication that can occur after a tooth extraction. Normally, after a tooth is pulled, a blood clot forms in the empty socket (the hole in the bone where the tooth used to be). This clot protects the underlying bone and nerve endings and promotes healing. Dry socket happens when this blood clot either does not form properly, is dislodged, or dissolves prematurely, leaving the bone and nerves exposed to air, food, and fluids, which causes intense pain and delays healing

Symptoms of Dry Socket

• Severe, persistent pain starting 1 to 3 days after tooth extraction, often radiating to the ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side

• An empty-looking socket where the blood clot is missing, sometimes with visible bone

• Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth

• Possible slight fever

Risk Factors

• Poor oral hygiene or existing infection in the mouth

• Smoking or tobacco use, which slows healing and can dislodge the clot

• Use of birth control pills, which may interfere with blood clot formation

• Difficult or traumatic tooth extraction, especially wisdom tooth removal

• Drinking through a straw or rinsing/spitting vigorously after extraction, which can dislodge the clot

• Previous history of dry socket

Treatment and Management

Dry socket does not usually involve infection, so antibiotics are not always required unless infection is suspected. Treatment focuses on pain relief and promoting healing:

• Your dentist may clean the socket and place a medicated dressing or paste to soothe pain and protect the area

• Regular gentle rinsing with warm salt water to keep the socket clean

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications as needed

• Avoid smoking, using straws, and other activities that may disturb the healing socket

Dry socket typically heals within 7 to 10 days with proper care

. In summary, dry socket is a painful condition caused by loss or failure of the protective blood clot after tooth extraction, exposing bone and nerves, leading to intense pain and delayed healing. It requires dental care for pain management and hygiene to support recovery