When Can I Stop Worrying About a Dry Socket?

You can usually stop worrying about dry socket about one week after a tooth is pulled. Dry socket most often starts 2 to 5 days after the extraction, so if you reach day 7 and your pain keeps getting better, your risk is very low.

Reviewed by Dr. Harsh Patel, general dentist at Next Care Dental with advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

When can I stop worrying about dry socket?

Most people can stop worrying about dry socket one week after the tooth is pulled. Dry socket usually shows up between day 2 and day 5. If you are past the first week and your pain has gotten a little better each day, the risk is very low. Keep following your after-care steps until the spot heals.

A tooth extraction is a common procedure, and most people heal without any problems. Still, it is important to follow your dentist’s healing instructions closely during that first week, when dry socket is most likely.

What is a dry socket?

Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the hole left by a pulled tooth comes out too soon or breaks down. That clot protects the bone and nerves underneath. Without it, the bone and nerves are open to air, food and germs. This causes strong pain, raises the risk of infection, and slows healing.

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot normally forms in the empty space. The clot keeps out food, air and germs while the area heals. Dry socket is one of the most common problems after a tooth is pulled.

What are the signs of dry socket?

The main sign is strong pain that does not let up, often starting 2 to 5 days after the tooth is pulled. The pain may spread to your ear, eye, temple or neck. Other signs include bad breath or a bad taste, bone you can see in the hole, swelling that gets worse, and a slight fever.

Common signs of dry socket:

• Strong pain that does not go away
• Pain that spreads to your ear, eye, temple or neck
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Bone you can see in the empty hole
• Swelling that does not go away or gets worse
• A slight fever

Who is more likely to get dry socket?

You are more likely to get dry socket if you smoke or use tobacco, had a hard tooth removal, or have had dry socket before. Poor brushing habits, an infection in the area, some medicines, and birth control pills can also raise the risk. So can drinking through a straw, rinsing hard, or spitting a lot.

You may have a higher chance of dry socket if you:

• Smoke or use tobacco
• Do not keep your mouth clean
• Had a hard or painful tooth removal
• Take birth control pills, other medicines or supplements
• Have had dry socket before
• Already have an infection
• Drink through a straw, rinse hard or spit a lot after the extraction

How can I prevent dry socket?

To prevent dry socket, protect the blood clot. Do not smoke or use tobacco until the spot heals. Do not drink through a straw or rinse hard for the first 2 to 3 days. Eat soft foods, brush gently near the area, use cold packs for swelling, and take pain medicine the way your dentist tells you.

Simple steps that help:

• Avoid smoking and tobacco until the area has fully healed
• Do not drink through a straw or rinse for 2 to 3 days after the extraction
• Eat soft foods while the area heals
• Brush gently around the area
• Use cold packs to ease swelling and pain
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine as your dentist advises

Good oral hygiene also helps you heal smoothly. Having a wisdom tooth taken out? Learn more about wisdom teeth removal in Houston at Next Care Dental.

What should I do if I think I have dry socket?

Call your dentist right away if you think you have dry socket. Do not try to wait it out, and do not try to clean the hole yourself with anything sharp. Your dentist can check the area, clean it gently, and help ease the pain. Most people feel much better soon after they are seen and treated.

Dry socket hurts, but with proper care you can lower your risk. Follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid habits like smoking. Once you have made it through the first week without problems, you can stop worrying.

If you notice any signs of dry socket, contact the team at Next Care Dental.

Call or text (713) 952-0522, Next Care Dental, 9650 Westheimer Rd, Suite 100.