Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) happens when the blood clot in an extraction socket is lost or breaks down early. It is painful but treatable.
Common signs
- Pain that starts or gets much worse 2–4 days after an extraction, often spreading to the ear or temple.
- An empty-looking socket, bad taste or bad breath.
Treatment
- Your dentist may gently clean the socket and place a soothing dressing. Several visits are sometimes needed.
- If a dressing was placed, avoid disturbing it and follow instructions about when it comes out or dissolves.
Home care
- Take pain relievers or any prescribed medicine exactly as your dentist or pharmacist directed. Do not take more than the label or prescription allows, and tell us about any allergies or other medicines you take.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals if your dentist recommends it, or use a syringe only as shown.
- Eat soft, cool or lukewarm foods such as yogurt, smoothies (with a spoon), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soup that is not hot, oatmeal and pasta. Chew on the other side.
Avoid
- Avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol for at least 72 hours, or longer if your dentist advises. They slow healing and raise the risk of complications.
- Do not use a straw, spit forcefully or rinse hard for the first 24 hours. Suction can dislodge the healing blood clot.
Call our office right away if
- Pain not controlled by the medicine you were told to take
- Fever or swelling
- The dressing falls out early and pain returns
- Rash, itching, or any other reaction to a medicine (stop it and call; for trouble breathing call 911)
This handout is general information. Always follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you, which may differ from this sheet. For a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Content last reviewed: 2026-10.