A blood clot forms at the extraction site after a tooth is removed. It protects the nerves and bone beneath and serves as the foundation for new bone growth. However, in some cases, the blood clot doesn’t form properly or gets dislodged, which leads to a dry socket.

A dry socket can be very uncomfortable because it leaves the bone and nerves exposed. It’s a common complication after getting a tooth removed, but it’s still rare. In a 2016 study involving 2214 patients, the overall incidence rate of dry socket was 1.8%. 

Taking over-the-counter medication may not be enough to treat a dry socket, so it’s important to seek assistance from your dental team.

Dry socket symptoms

Here are some signs you may have a dry socket.

• Bone-like appearance in the extraction site
• Severe pain radiating to the neck and ears, about 2-3 days after the removal
• Unpleasant taste
• Tenderness
• Bad breath

What does a dry socket feel like?

A dry socket can trigger intense pain, especially after taking a cold beverage or exposing teeth in cold air. The pain can travel to your eyes, ears, and neck.

How is a dry socket diagnosed?

A dry socket may heal on its own, but it’s still best to have your dentist take a look at it. Through a visual examination, they'll be able to confirm if it’s a dry socket and help speed up the treatment time.

Who can get a dental socket?

The following factors may make a person more likely to experience a dental socket.

• Similar experience. It’s possible to have a dry socket after a tooth extraction if you've already experienced it before.
• Being female. Studies (1,2) show women are more likely to develop a dry socket.
• Poor oral hygiene. Not caring for the extraction site properly or poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Smoking. Tobacco products can slow down healing, and the smoking or sucking sensation can also cause the blood clot to dislodge. 
• Taking birth control. High estrogen levels in contraceptives may interfere with the healing process. 
• Trauma in the area. Pressure on the area or accidentally poking it with a brush may also remove the blood clot.  
• Aggressive swishing or gargling. The gargling motion can loosen the blood clot. 

It helps to advise your dentist if you've already had a dry socket before, since this can increase your chances of developing it again. They won’t be able to prevent it from occurring, but they'll can help expedite treatments.

Can I prevent having a dry socket?

The following tips can help minimize risks of having a dry socket:

• Follow the postoperative care instructions provided by your dentist.
• Talk to your dentist about nicotine management. 
• Limit or avoid smoking before and after your tooth removal. 
• Avoid drinking warm or carbonated beverages. 
• Avoid drinking through a straw any sipping or sucking motion. 
• Stick to soft food while the area is healing.

Treating a dry socket in Pinehurst or Woodlands, Texas

A dry socket can lead to severe pain, but there are ways to find relief fast. Our team at Happy Sapiens Dental in Texas is happy to help if you feel you may have a dry socket. We provide dental emergency services and do our best to see you right away. 

Contact us at our Pinehurst location at (281) 356-3351 or our Woodlands office at (281) 367-368 or (281) 367-3685 to speak with one of our staff members. Or request an appointment online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Let’s ease your discomfort sooner with prompt treatments at the dental office.

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