Dry socket treatment after a tooth extraction
dry socket · alveolar osteitis · infected tooth socket · pain after tooth extraction
The doctor cleans the socket where the tooth was removed and puts in a medicated dressing. This eases the pain and helps the wound heal.
When 2 to 4 days after a tooth is removed, the pain gets worse instead of better, and there is a bad smell.
⏱ Duration: the procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes; healing takes 1 to 2 weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Smoking. Do not smoke. It slows healing.
- Rinsing. Do not rinse your mouth hard before the visit.
- Pain relief. You can take a painkiller your doctor already allowed. Tell them what you took.
What to bring
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
- Notes or instructions from the extraction, if you have them
How it goes
- The doctor looks at the socket
- If needed, you get numbing medicine
- The socket is gently rinsed
- Food bits and the broken-down clot are removed
- A medicated dressing or paste is placed
- The doctor explains how to care for it at home
What you'll feel
- Rinsing can be unpleasant
- After the dressing, the pain usually eases a lot within a day
Afterwards
- Do not touch the socket with your tongue or fingers
- Do not smoke or drink through a straw
- The dressing is sometimes changed. Come back for your follow-up
- Rinse and take medicines as the doctor said
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Cheek swelling is getting worse
- A fever over 38°C
- It is hard to swallow or open your mouth: see a doctor right away
Common questions
Why does dry socket happen?
The blood clot in the socket broke down or washed out. It is more common in smokers and after a difficult extraction.
How long will it hurt?
After treatment, it usually feels better within a day. It fully heals in 1 to 2 weeks.