How Long Does Dry Socket Last? Plus Treatment And Prevention

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Nutrition

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dry Socket, and How Long Are You at Risk?

Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Taylor Norris — Updated on May 30, 2023

When does it occur?
Treatment
Complications
Risk factors
Prevention
Symptoms
Outlook

Dry sockets happen when a blood clot does not form after a tooth is removed. It’s a painful condition that can last up to 7 days.

You’re at risk of developing dry socket after a tooth extraction. The clinical term for dry socket is alveolar osteitis.

Dry socket typically lasts 7 days. Pain can be noticeable as early as day 3 after extraction.

After tooth extraction, a blood clot usually forms at the site to heal and protect it. With dry socket, that clot either dislodges, dissolves too early, or it never formed in the first place. So, dry socket leaves the bone, tissue, and nerve endings exposed.

Dry socket is painful. Food particles or debris can get stuck down in the extraction site. This can delay the healing process or lead to infection.

When am I at risk for developing dry socket?

Dry socket isn’t very common, but certain things can put you at increased risk. You’re mostly at risk of dry socket during the first week after tooth extraction.

While more research is needed, it’s estimated that less than 1 percent to 5 percent of people get dry socket after a routine tooth extraction.

During normal recovery, your pain should steadily decrease over time. But instead of getting better, pain from dry socket will get worse over time.

Dry socket pain usually starts a day or a few days after surgery. If you’ve made it about a week after surgery and your mouth is mostly healed, then chances are you won’t get dry socket.

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How is dry socket treated?

Dry socket must be treated by a dentist. This means you’ll need to make a return trip to your dentist’s office after your surgery.

Your dentist will clean and medicate the site to help it heal. They’ll also likely recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.

If pain, fever, or swelling continues, always check with your dentist.

Treatment includes:

Cleaning the site. Sometimes food or debris can get stuck down in the empty hole.
Medicated gauze. This should immediately relieve some pain. Your dentist will provide directions for cleaning and replacing the gauze at home.
Pain medications. This can include over the counter like ibuprofen or prescription drugs, depending on your pain levels.

What complications can develop from dry socket?

A possible complication of dry socket is delayed healing. Infections may occur but aren’t strictly linked to dry socket. If you have any sign of infection, call your dentist immediately.

Signs of infection include:

fever and chills
swelling
redness
pus or discharge from the extraction site

Who’s at increased risk for dry socket?

Doctors don’t yet know of a direct cause of dry socket. It can be hard to guess who might experience it. However, it’s more likely to happen to certain people and under certain conditions.

You’re most at risk of developing dry socket if you:

Don’t follow your dentist’s postsurgery instructions.
Remove gauze from inside your mouth too early.
Have preexisting infections, such as periodontal (gum) disease.
Smoke. This is due to decreased blood supply in the mouth as well as the strong sucking movement.
Have a traumatic surgery, such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
Have denser jaw bones.
Are female or take birth control pills. Certain hormones may increase your risk.

How to prevent dry socket

Every case of dry socket is different. Only your dentist or oral surgeon can tell you your personal risk factors for dry socket. Only work with a board-certified dentist to ensure that you receive top quality dental treatments.

To prevent dry socket, it’s very important that you follow your dentist’s instructions for recovery.

After a tooth extraction:

Don’t smoke for at least 1 week after surgery.
Don’t drink hot or acidic beverages that may dissolve the blood clot, such as coffee, soda, or juice.
Avoid injury to the mouth during recovery.
Avoid consuming food that may get stuck in the site, such as nuts, seeds, or gum.
Don’t suck on a straw or spoon for 1 week after surgery.
Avoid birth control pills if you can. Talk with your doctor and plan ahead to find a replacement birth control while you recover.

Some studies found that rinsing with a chlorhexidine gluconate rinse before and after tooth extraction decreased risk of dry socket. Using chlorhexidine gluconate gel in the socket after extraction also decreased the risk of dry socket.

What are the symptoms of dry socket?

The main symptoms of dry socket are increased pain and odor in the mouth. Usually, pain and swelling after a tooth extraction get better over the course of a week. With dry socket, pain begins a few days after surgery and gets significantly worse.

The pain may feel like it covers the whole side of your mouth or face. You may be extra sensitive to cold drinks since soft tissues and nerve endings are exposed.

Call your dentist if you suspect dry socket. They can determine the next steps to help you recover.

Outlook

Dry socket is one complication that may follow tooth extraction. Doctors don’t know exactly why it happens.

Dry socket pain feels different than the usual soreness after surgery recovery. Your dentist can help the wound heal and keep pain manageable. Always be sure to follow up with your dentist after a procedure if you’re unsure of new or worsening symptoms.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

ChemalyD. (2013). How do I manage a patient with dry socket?https://jcda.ca/article/d54
Daly B, et al. (2012). Localinterventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23235637
Drysocket. (n.d.)https://www.dental.columbia.edu/patient-care/dental-library/dry-socket
Kolokythas A, et al. (2010).Alveolar osteitis: A comprehensive review of concepts and controversies.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2905714/
MayoClinic Staff. (2017). Dry socket.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-socket/symptoms-causes/syc-20354376
TarakjiB, et al. (2015). Systemic review of dry socket: Aetiology, treatment, andprevention. DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.7860%2FJCDR%2F2015%2F12422.5840

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Taylor Norris — Updated on May 30, 2023

How Long Does Dry Socket Last? Plus Treatment And Prevention

Nutrition

When am I at risk for developing dry socket?

How is dry socket treated?

What complications can develop from dry socket?

Who’s at increased risk for dry socket?

How to prevent dry socket

What are the symptoms of dry socket?

Outlook

How we reviewed this article:

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