Help me with…
Dry socket after an extraction
Pain that gets worse three to five days after a tooth was pulled — often with a bad taste — is likely dry socket. It's very treatable, so call us.
What it can mean
After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket and protects the bone while it heals. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) happens when that clot is lost or dissolves too early, leaving bone and nerve endings exposed. The result is a deep, aching pain that can radiate to the ear, a foul taste or smell, and sometimes visible bone in the socket. It's most common after lower wisdom teeth, and more likely in smokers.
Dry socket isn't an infection and isn't dangerous, but it's genuinely painful and it doesn't respond well to painkillers alone. A dressing placed in the socket by your dentist usually brings relief within minutes.
How we can help
- Priority appointment on clinic days for post-extraction pain
- Gently clean the socket and place a soothing medicated dressing
- Aftercare advice to protect the clot next time — no smoking, no straws, no rinsing hard for 24 hours
Ready for a healthier smile?
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