Dry socket

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Like with root canal, the thought of dry socket probably sends chills down your spine. Even if you've never had this condition, you may wince in sympathetic pain as a relative or co-worker recounts his or her tale of dry socket. Although dry socket can indeed be painful, the condition has taken on frightening proportions that may not match reality.

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a dental condition that occurs when the blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction is dislodged, exposing underlying bone and nerves and causing increasing pain. It's the most common complication following tooth extractions, such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. But with proper postoperative dental care and avoidance of risk factors, dry socket often can be prevented. When it does occur, treatment usually provides immediate relief.

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Symptoms