Dry Socket
Dry socket is a painful healing complication after extraction when the blood clot disintegrates or is lost before the socket is protected by new tissue.
Common questions
What is it?
A painful but usually non-serious condition caused by loss of the blood clot from an extraction site.
Is it common?
It occurs in a minority of extractions.
Do antibiotics fix it?
Usually not; treatment is mainly local pain relief and socket care.
Can smoking or rinsing contribute?
Yes, both may disturb the clot and increase risk.
When to contact us
• Increasing pain 2 to 5 days after extraction
• Bad taste or smell from the area
• Pain radiating to ear or jaw
S3 Dental advice: Call S3 Dental urgently if post-extraction pain is worsening rather than settling.