Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a common complication of tooth <br />extraction. It develops when the blood clot that protects the wound <br />disintegrates or breaks loose, leaving the nerves and bone in the socket <br />exposed.<br />Most cases of dry socket develop within 3–5 days after surgery.<br />In case of a dry socket, the pain will improve and then suddenly get worse, <br />which could be more painful than the extraction procedure.<br />The pain caused by a dry socket is throbbing and radiating across a large <br />area of the jaw or up towards the ear.<br />Risk factors for developing a dry socket, include:<br /> Chewing or biting down on the empty socket, using straws, sucking <br />on foods, and blowing the nose can create negative pressure inside <br />the mouth, increasing the risk of the blood clot detaching.<br /> Dry socket is more common in wisdom tooth removal and tooth <br />extractions from the lower jaw. It is also more prevalent if the <br />extraction is complicated or traumatic.<br /> People with bacterial infections in the mouth before undergoing tooth <br />extraction have a higher risk for dry socket.<br /> Dry socket is more common in people with a history of mouth sores, <br />hospitalization from a serious illness, and cancer.<br /> Smoking increases the chance for developing dry socket. This may be <br />due to the tobacco itself, or the sucking motion involved in smoking.<br /> Females taking birth control pills may have a two-fold increased risk <br />of the condition.<br />Treatment for a dry socket focuses on reducing pain. The patient is <br />advised to return to the dentist to manage symptoms. A dentist will first <br />flush out the socket with a medicated mouthwash or saline. Then, they <br />will fill in the socket with a medicated dressing to control the pain. <br />Depending on how long the pain lasts, people may need to change this <br />dressing after a couple of days. Adults can also take non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.<br />In most cases, the pain of dry socket improves within 24–72 hours, the <br />pain may last up to 7 days.<br />Dr. Hanadi Hadi Alkhafaji