If you've ever had a tooth pulled, your dentist likely cautioned you about the risk of dry socket -- a painful condition where nerves and bone can become exposed shortly after the procedure. This ailment is certainly something to be mindful of as it can not only hurt but slow the healing process, too. That's why it's so important to be aware of dry socket symptoms and the early warning signs that you should see your doctor for treatment.
What is a dry socket?
After a tooth extraction, the body begins the healing process by forming a blood clot in the socket where the tooth was removed. This helps protect the underlying bone and nerve endings, which promotes healing, explains Joyce Kahng, DDS, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist and owner of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio.
If the blood clot dislodges too early, typically within the first two to three days after extraction, the nerves and bone become exposed. This can cause significant pain, says Dr. Kahng. And while dry socket rarely causes serious complications, it could potentially increase the risk of infection in some cases.
Dry socket symptoms you shouldn't ignore
In most cases, you'll be able to easily recognize signs of dry socket because the discomfort will extend well beyond regular post-procedure soreness. Common dry socket symptoms may include:
"Generally, after any surgical procedure, the worst day will be on the second or third day," says Alice Hoang, DMD, dentist and co-owner at Brooklyn Mint. "After the initial healing is complete, you should notice it feeling better. If it feels worse, it is often either infected or has a dry socket."
Risk factors for dry socket
While anyone can develop dry socket, there are a few things that may increase your risk, according to Mayo Clinic experts. They include:
How to prevent dry socket
The good news is that you can avoid dry sockets by being very careful after a tooth extraction. Dr. Hoang says healing tends to take around two weeks, with the first two to three days being the most critical.
"Prevention of a dry socket includes avoiding the creation of suction in your mouth so that the clot is not dislodged," says Naomi Goldman, DDM, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentist at Levy Goldman Dentistry. "Some things to avoid are drinking through a straw, smoking or vigorous swishing and spitting, especially the first day."
If you need to expel fluid from your mouth after an extraction, it's best to just lean over a sink and let it naturally dribble out, offers Dr. Kahng.
Dr. Hoang suggests her patients take a pain reliever prior to the anesthetic from the procedure wearing off, as the best way to avoid discomfort is to be proactive, she says.
And if you do smoke or take birth control, be sure to raise this with your dentist before a tooth extraction so they can help plan for it.
What to do if you have a dry socket
Unfortunately, a dry socket can't be remedied at home. Because it's a result of your body trying to heal, treatment is typically only for pain management, explains Dr. Hoang. A dry socket typically heals within one to two weeks, but in rare cases, discomfort can persist longer -- even for months.
"There are some over-the-counter gels and rinses that could help as a natural remedy at home, but some also make it worse," she says. "It is best to ask your dentist or oral surgeon what they recommend, as they know the exact nature of the surgery and every extraction is different."
Your dentist will likely pack the dry socket with a medicated dressing that can soothe the pain and cover the exposed bone, says Dr. Goldman, which can help with proper healing of the extraction site. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.