What Are the Symptoms of Dry Socket?
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 4 days after tooth removal, once the initial discomfort from surgery starts to fade. Common signs include:
- Severe pain at the extraction site that radiates to the ear, eye, neck, or temple
- A visible empty socket, often with exposed bone
- Bad breath or a foul odour coming from the mouth
- An unpleasant taste that doesn’t go away
- Slight swelling around the jaw
Unlike normal post-extraction discomfort, dry socket pain tends to intensify rather than improve with time.
How is Dry Socket Treated?
Dry socket is treatable—and the sooner you get help, the faster you’ll start to feel better. Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend the following:
1. Cleaning the Socket
The area will be gently flushed to remove food particles or debris that may be irritating the bone and surrounding tissue.
2. Medicated Dressings or Pastes
Dentists often apply a medicated gauze dressing into the socket to soothe pain and promote healing. This may need to be changed every few days until the discomfort subsides.
3. Pain Relief Medication
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol are typically enough to manage the pain, but in more severe cases, your dentist may prescribe stronger medication.
4. Antibiotics (if needed)
While dry socket isn’t an infection, if there are signs of bacterial involvement or you’re at higher risk (e.g. if you have a weakened immune system), antibiotics may be recommended.
Can You Treat Dry Socket at Home?
You can’t fully treat dry socket at home, but you can take steps to relieve symptoms after seeing a dentist:
- Warm salt water rinses can help keep the area clean. Rinse gently, especially in the early days after your extraction.
- Clove oil has natural numbing and anti-inflammatory properties. Some over-the-counter gels or dressings contain clove oil, but speak to your dentist before applying anything directly to the socket.
- Cold compresses can reduce swelling and ease jaw pain.
Avoid smoking, spitting, using a straw, or poking the area, as this can delay healing further.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
Although not always avoidable, there are proven ways to reduce your risk:
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco for at least 48–72 hours after an extraction. Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket.
- Avoid using straws for the first week. The suction can dislodge the clot.
- Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, or soup, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Keep your mouth clean, but be gentle. Use any prescribed rinses, and wait 24 hours before starting saltwater rinses.
- Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully—they’re tailored to your specific needs.
When to Call Your Dentist
Contact your dentist if:
- Pain gets worse after a few days rather than better
- Over-the-counter pain relief isn’t helping
- You notice signs of dry socket, like exposed bone or persistent bad taste
- You experience a fever or swelling that doesn’t go away
Dry socket is treatable, and most people start to feel better within 24 to 48 hours of professional treatment.
Don’t Wait—Get Help Early
If you think you have dry socket, it’s important not to delay. Book an emergency dental appointment for fast relief and proper care. The earlier it’s treated, the quicker your recovery—and the sooner you’ll be back to eating, smiling, and feeling like yourself again.