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What is dry socket?

A dry socket is a loss of the blood clot forming in the hole left after a tooth is removed. Sometimes the jaw bone is exposed.

What causes dry socket?

Dry socket does not have a known cause.

Oral contraceptives (birth control), smoking, infection before tooth removal, difficulty with tooth removal, operation related complications all have been linked to increase the chance of developing dry socket after extraction (tooth removal).

What are its symptoms?

You may develop severe pain in the area of the recent extraction. Other symptoms include bad smell, swelling. Pain can sometimes spread from socket to ear or eye; can last 10-40 days.

Treatment for dry socket

Treatment options include minimizing the pain and cleaning the area. Over-the-counter pain medications may help with lessen pain and swelling. Wash out the socket area with water or Chlorohexidine (anti-bacterial solution).

If pain and swelling persists, it is important to see your dentist.