Dry socket · Open today
Dry Socket Treatment
Severe pain a few days after a tooth extraction can mean the blood clot has been lost from the socket. Dry socket is painful, but it is easy to treat. We dress the socket, relieve the pain, and see you the same day with no registration needed.
Same-day appointments · No registration required · Evenings and weekends
What dry socket is
When the healing clot is lost
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the socket. It protects the bone and nerves underneath while the gum heals. Dry socket, known as alveolar osteitis, happens when that clot is dislodged or dissolves too early, leaving the bone exposed to air, food and fluid.
It is the most common complication of tooth removal and affects about 2 to 5 in every 100 extractions, and more often after lower wisdom teeth are removed. The pain usually begins two to four days after the extraction and gets worse instead of better.
Dry socket is not an infection, but it is very painful and it will not go away quickly on its own. A dentist can clean the socket, place a soothing dressing and give you relief on the day.
Symptoms
Signs of a dry socket
If this sounds like you, you do not have to wait it out. Treatment brings fast relief.
Worsening pain after day two
Pain that was settling after the extraction suddenly gets worse, usually two to four days later.
An empty-looking socket
The hole looks dry, with pale bone visible instead of a dark blood clot.
Pain spreading to the ear or jaw
A throbbing ache that spreads from the socket up to the ear, eye, temple or neck on the same side.
A bad taste or breath
An unpleasant taste or smell from the socket, which is not always a sign of infection.
Painkillers are not working
Ibuprofen and paracetamol take the edge off for a short time or have little effect.
Tender glands under the jaw
Mild swelling of the glands on the side of the extraction, which can come with dry socket.
Causes and risk factors
Why dry socket happens
Smoking and vaping
Nicotine reduces blood supply to the socket and suction can pull the clot out. This is the biggest single risk.
Rinsing, spitting or straws
Strong rinsing, spitting or using a straw in the first 24 hours can dislodge the clot.
Difficult or lower wisdom tooth removal
Trauma to the bone and a poorer blood supply in the lower jaw raise the risk.
Previous infection or dry socket
Teeth removed through infected gum, and people who have had a dry socket before, are more likely to get one.
Some medicines
Oestrogen-containing contraceptive pills can raise the risk. Tell your dentist what you take.
Poor oral hygiene
Food and bacteria around the socket can break down the clot.
What to expect
What happens at your appointment
Step 01
Assessment
We look at the socket, ask about your pain and the date of the extraction, and take an X-ray if we need to rule out another cause.
Step 02
Cleaning
The socket is gently flushed with saline to remove food and debris. We numb the area first so this is comfortable.
Step 03
Medicated dressing
A soothing dressing is placed in the socket. It relieves the pain within minutes for most patients.
Step 04
Aftercare
We explain how to look after the socket, when to return for dressing changes, and which painkillers to take.
Prevention
How to avoid a dry socket
Dry socket cannot always be prevented, but these steps lower the risk.
Do
Rest for the first day. Keep your head raised. Eat soft, cool food. Brush your other teeth as normal and rinse gently with warm salty water from the next day.
Avoid
Smoking and vaping for at least 72 hours, straws, spitting, hot drinks, alcohol and hard or crunchy food on that side.
Tell us
If you have had a dry socket before, smoke, or take a contraceptive pill, so that we can advise you before the extraction.
Price and appointment length
dry socket treatment, from
The fee covers the examination, cleaning of the socket, the medicated dressing and aftercare advice. A review visit to change the dressing is priced separately, and we confirm the cost with you before treatment starts.
| Appointment length | 20–30 minutes |
| Anaesthetic | Local, included |
| Cleaning and dressing | Included |
| X-ray, if needed | Included |
| Review and dressing change | Quoted before we start |
Questions
Dry socket questions
Not sure if it is a dry socket? Call the practice and describe the pain, and we will tell you what to expect.
What does dry socket feel like?
A deep, throbbing pain in the jaw that begins two to four days after an extraction and often spreads to the ear. It is usually much worse than the pain straight after the extraction.
How long does dry socket last without treatment?
Untreated, it can last up to a week or longer. With a dressing from the dentist, most people feel relief within minutes to hours.
Can dry socket heal on its own?
Yes, the socket will eventually heal, but the pain can be severe and last for days. Treatment is quick and relieves the pain, so we do not advise waiting.
Is dry socket an infection?
No. It is the loss of the healing clot. It can occasionally become infected, and we will tell you if you need antibiotics.
Do I need antibiotics for dry socket?
Usually not. Cleaning the socket and a medicated dressing are the treatment. Antibiotics are used only if there is a spreading infection, swelling or fever.
How many dressings will I need?
Some patients need one, and others need a dressing change after a few days. We review the socket and tell you when to come back.
Can I have dry socket treatment if I was not treated by you?
Yes. We see patients who had their tooth removed elsewhere, and no registration is required.
In pain today?
Call the clinic or book online. New patients are welcome, and no registration is required.