From the Research
Dry socket symptoms typically appear 2-3 days after tooth extraction and include severe, throbbing pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or neck; an unpleasant taste or bad breath; visible loss of the blood clot at the extraction site exposing bone; and sometimes swelling of the gum and lymph nodes. The pain often doesn't respond well to over-the-counter pain medications. This condition, medically known as alveolar osteitis, occurs when the protective blood clot that forms after extraction is dislodged or dissolves prematurely, leaving the underlying bone and nerves exposed to air, food, and fluids. Some key points to consider about dry socket include:
- The incidence of dry socket is approximately 3% for all routine extractions and can reach over 30% for impacted mandibular third molars 1
- Dry socket is a very debilitating and severely painful complication following dental extractions 1
- The use of chlorhexidine mouthrinses (0.12% and 0.2% concentrations) or placing chlorhexidine gel (0.2%) in the sockets of extracted teeth probably results in a reduction in dry socket 2
- Alvogyl may be more effective than zinc oxide eugenol at reducing pain at day 7 in patients with dry socket 2 If you suspect dry socket, contact your dentist immediately for treatment, which typically involves:
- Cleaning the socket
- Placing a medicated dressing to relieve pain
- Prescribing stronger pain medication if needed To prevent dry socket, avoid:
- Smoking
- Using straws
- Spitting forcefully
- Touching the extraction site during the healing period, which typically takes 7-10 days. It is essential to follow the dentist's instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and prevent complications 2, 3, 4.