Dry Socket

Dry socket, clinically known as alveolar osteitis, occurs when the blood clot that normally forms in the socket after a tooth extraction dislodges or fails to form, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. It typically appears 2–4 days after extraction and causes a deep, throbbing pain that may radiate to the ear, often accompanied by a bad taste or odor. Smokers, women on oral contraceptives, and patients who had impacted lower wisdom teeth removed are at higher risk. Treatment involves gentle irrigation and packing the socket with a medicated dressing, which usually relieves pain within minutes.