How to Care for Dry Sockets

A dry socket is the most common complication of a tooth extraction. It occurs when a blood clot covering the site of the removal doesn't form or is dislodged. This causes the bone and nerves to be exposed, which results in severe pain. Learn how to care for dry sockets in a few quick and simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Contact your dentist immediately. If you are feeling severe pain following a tooth extraction or oral surgery, you probably have a dry socket. Dentists typically care for dry sockets by packing the site with gauze. They may also prescribe a topical or oral pain killer.

2. Place cold packs or frozen vegetables (like peas) on the sides of your jaw to decrease swelling and pain.

3. Take pain medications. If your doctor gave you a prescription for pain medication take them as prescribed. Aspirin and other over the counter pain medications may also help ease the pain.

4. Rinse your mouth gently and frequently with warm salt water. This will help prevent foods and bacteria from adhering to the extraction site.

5. Brush your teeth. Keep the site clean by brushing the area around the dry socket very gently with a soft toothbrush.

6. Keep scheduled appointments with your dentist. Even if you are feeling better, you'll want to visit your doctor to ensure that the site has healed properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Clove oil is often used to ease the pain of a dry socket. You can purchase clove oil at most health food stores.
• While this article will help you care for a dry socket, it is crucial that you notify or visit your dentist or oral surgeon before attempting to treat the dry socket at home.

Resources

• Learn more about caring for dry sockets at Mayoclinic.com.
• Learn more about dental complications at Webmd.com.

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[Vanessa22]

on 2/3/2009 I have two dry sockets right now and it is VERY painful and uncomfortable. I had my 4 wisdom teeth extracted over a week ago and found out I had dry sockets on the 5th day post surgery. I wish I had chosen a better oral surgeon, I really don't feel it's my fault because I followed all of the rules and take excellent care of my teeth and gums. I hope I heal up soon.

Good info, thanks!!

[docopp]

on 7/19/2008 the best option is to prevent the dry socket.
if you have a tooth extracted, ask the dentist to at least gently (no tension on the tissue) suture (use resorbable gut, so it disolves away ) the gum tissue on each side of the extraction together as well as possible (usually this will make the opening 1/2 of it's original size. also for 2 daysdon't smoke or bite on gauze when you smoke and inhale gently.
I have been extracting teeth for 28 years and I have never had a patient have a dry socket. every tooth I remove, I treat this way: I place Gelfoam (resorbable celulose) coated with cortisporin (decrease inflamation)into the extraction site and place 1 or 2 or 3 gut sutures over the area.

if you have a dry socket, and I have treated hundreds of dry sockets from extractions by other dentists here is what I do:
take oral antibiotics
don't put heat on your face (bacteria like heat & br