It develops when the blood clot that protects the wound disintegrates or breaks loose, leaving the nerves and bone in the socket exposed. This article will look in more detail at the differences between dry sockets versus normal healing sockets.
It also explores what causes dry socket, as well as treatments and recovery time. We will also look at whether it is possible to experience this condition with no pain. Following a tooth extraction, an empty socket will usually heal on its own, while any pain from the procedure will gradually improve.
In contrast, with a dry socket, the pain will improve and then suddenly get worse, which could be more painful than the extraction procedure. The pain of a dry socket may throb and radiate across a large area of the jaw or up towards the ear.
Most cases of dry socket develop within 3—5 days after surgery. The risk of this condition decreases over time, so the longer the wound heals, the lower the likelihood.
For standard tooth extractions, complete recovery takes a couple of weeks. However, wisdom tooth extractions can take much longer to heal. Once the wound fully heals, there is no risk of dry socket.
After a tooth extraction, the body creates inflammation. This causes mild swelling around the affected area. Platelets in the blood clump together to form a clot, which protects the wound by sealing it. If this clot disintegrates, becomes dislodged, or does not form, the empty tooth socket is unprotected.
This increases the risk of intense pain due to the exposed nerves in the socket. Normally, a blood clot forms over your empty socket. This clot protects the wound while it heals and promote new tissue growth. Without a blood clot over your socket, raw tissue, nerve endings, and bone are exposed. This can be painful and over-the-counter pain relievers are sometimes not enough to help.
You may also see small amounts of blood on your gauze dressing. The American Dental Association recommends you keep gauze over your extraction site for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery. This encourages a blood clot to form and can help prevent dry socket. If you smoke, you may ask for a special oxidized cellulose dental dressing to help prevent dry socket. You should be very gentle with your mouth until the site is totally healed. Eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth from your extraction.
Ask your dentist if you should stop taking oral contraceptives if you have a tooth extraction. Some studies show these medications may increase your chance of developing dry socket. Your dentist will clean the wound and apply medication for immediate pain relief. You may be given a special mouthwash, antibiotics, or prescription pain medication.
Dry socket usually is treated by a dentist or oral surgeon , who may place a special medicated gauze or paste into the socket and prescribe an antibiotic. He or she may also have you take pain medicine. To prevent dry socket, be sure to follow your dentist's instructions, which may include the following:.
Call your dentist or oral surgeon if it's a few days after your surgery and you have severe pain around the area where your tooth was removed. Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. With nearly 30 years of experience as a family dentist, Dr. Christopher J. Holland has performed countless wisdom teeth extractions. With a dedication to ongoing education and clinical excellence, he provides every patient with outstanding care before, during, and after extraction procedures. If you have any other questions about dry socket, you can reach Dr.
Holland via his website.
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