Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)
What is a dry socket?
Dry Socket is a common complication following tooth removal. Normally, a blood clot forms in
the socket, this protects the socket as it heals and forms the foundation for new bone and soft
tissue growth. A dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to develop in the tooth socket, or if the
blood clot becomes dislodged or disappears. This usually happens 3 to 5 days after the
extraction procedure.
What are the symptoms?
• Ache/ throbbing pain – can resemble a toothache
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Bad taste
• Tooth socket looks empty (you may see bone instead of a blood clot)
Who is at risk?
• If you do not follow post-operative instructions
• Smokers
• If you’ve had the condition before
• You’re over 25 years old
• If the extraction was complicated
• Following wisdom tooth removal, especially lower
• Female sex, especially if on the oral contraceptive pill
How is it managed?
The therapeutic goal is relief of symptoms; however, treatment does not hasten healing.
This is usually managed by irrigation of the socket to remove any debris. Sometimes, a soothing
dressing is placed. If the pain persists, this may have to be repeated every other day until the
pain subsides.
Self-care at home to keep the socket and area clean is paramount:
• Regular gentle warm salt water mouth rinses at least 4 times a day
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Take regular pain relief as required
• Avoid smoking and use of tobacco products
• Drink plenty of clear fluids
Do I need antibiotics?
Delayed healing is not an infection.
Your doctor will assess the need for antibiotics based on the clinical presentation as well as
your general health.
0822/03/June 2023– Oral Maxillofacial Department Page 1 of 2
Who should I contact if I need some more help?
Conquest Hospital:
Maxillofacial Unit - Tel: 0300 131 4500 Ext: 773207
Eastbourne District General Hospital
Maxillofacial and Orthodontic Unit - Tel: 0300 131 4500 Ext: 771756
Out of hours:
In an emergency, go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E)
Important information
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is not provided to replace
professional clinical advice from a qualified practitioner.
Your comments
We are always interested to hear your views about our leaflets. If you have any comments,
please contact the patient experience team on 0300 131 4784 or esh-
[Link]@[Link].
Hand hygiene
We are committed to maintaining a clean, safe environment. Hand hygiene is very important in
controlling infection. Alcohol gel is widely available at the patient bedside for staff use and at the
entrance of each clinical area for visitors to clean their hands before and after entering.
Other formats
If you require any of our leaflets in alternative formats, such as large print or
alternative languages, please contact the Equality and Human Rights
Department on 0300 131 4434 or [Link]@[Link]
After reading this information are there any questions you would like to ask? Please list below
and ask your nurse or doctor.
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Reference
The following clinicians have been consulted and agreed this patient information:
Mr C J Surwald - Maxillofacial Consultant.
Mr M Shastri - Maxillofacial Consultant.
The directorate group that have agreed this patient information leaflet:
Diagnostic, Anaesthetic and Surgery - Outpatients
Next review date: June 2025
Author : Helen Hemsley, Senior Dental Nurse
© East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - [Link]
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