Dreaded Dry Socket: Explained

What is dry socket?

After the tooth is removed, a small blood clot begins to form in the socket. This acts like a scab over a wound, which helps to protect the area and allow new bone and soft tissue grow over the hole. If the blood clot is removed from the socket too early, or does not form properly, this is known as dry socket (alveolar osteitis)

Dry socket commonly occurs at 3-4 days after surgery

How do I know I have dry socket?

You may experience one or more of the following:

  • severe throbbing pain within a few days of the surgery

  • seeing exposed bone in the empty tooth socket with no remaining blood clot

  • bad breath or foul odour from the mouth

  • unpleasant taste in the mouth

Am I at risk of dry socket?

Studies have found the following risk factors: 

  • females

  • tobacco smoking

  •  taking the contraceptive pill

  • previous dry socket

  • tooth or gum infections

  • poor oral hygiene

What can I do to minimise the risks of getting dry socket?

1.Avoid spitting vigorously 

  • Spitting vigorously can increase the chances of the blood clot being removed

2. Avoid touching the tooth socket

  • It can be tempting to touch the socket with your fingers or tongue after the surgery, but it is best to avoid doing this to prevent breaking the stitches, opening the wound, or removing the blood clot 

3. Avoid drinking from a straw

  • The suction action from using a straw may cause the blood clot to be removed

4. Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after surgery

  • This prevents or slows down healing and can contaminate the wound site

5. Follow instructions on proper mouth cleaning

  • Poor oral hygiene will increase your risk. 

  • Follow instructions such a twice daily brushing, being careful not to injure the wound

  • Start gentle mouth rinses 24 hours after the surgery

6. Follow instructions on what foods you can and can’t eat

  • East soft foods and avoid hot food and drinks for the first 24-48 hours

7. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after surgery

  • Rest up for the remainder of the day after surgery

  • Avoid rigorous exercise or sport which can dislodge the blood clot

How do you treat dry socket?

If you think you have dry socket, please see your dental surgeon who will examine to reach a diagnosis. You may be given one or more of these treatments:

1.Antibacterial mouthwashes

  • Help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and rinse away food debris after eating

2. Oral antibiotics

  • Reduce the risk of developing an infection

3. Antiseptic solutions applied to the wound

  • Help to clean and debris and control the pain from the site

4. Medicated dressings applied after surgery

  • Help to cover the exposed bone and nerves and control the pain

5. Pain medications 

  • Help to control the pain but do not fix the problem

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