Dry socket: pain after tooth removal

Dry socket is also called alveolar osteitis. Symptoms can overlap with infection or normal post-extraction soreness, so dental assessment matters.

• Pain around the extraction site that starts or worsens after the tooth was removed.
• Tenderness in the socket area.
• An empty-looking socket or absence of soft clot tissue.
• Unpleasant taste or odour from the area.
• Occasional swelling around the extraction site.
• Pain that is not settling as expected after the extraction.

1. 1Contact the dentist or clinic that removed the tooth, or seek urgent dental advice if you cannot reach them.
2. 2Follow the aftercare instructions you were given after the extraction.
3. 3Avoid smoking while the socket is healing.
4. 4Maintain gentle oral hygiene, keeping brushing away from the sore socket unless your dentist advises otherwise.
5. 5If it is not the day of the extraction, rinse gently with warm salty water if you can do so safely. Do not rinse vigorously.
6. 6Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and follow the packet instructions. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Do not smoke while the extraction socket is healing.
• Do not poke, scrape or pack the socket yourself.
• Do not rinse vigorously or spit forcefully, especially soon after the extraction.
• Do not put aspirin or any other medicine directly into the socket.
• Do not ignore swelling, fever, feeling unwell, worsening pain or bleeding that will not stop.

Suspected dry socket needs urgent dental care. You may need the socket assessed, cleaned or dressed by a dentist.

• Pain after tooth removal that is severe, worsening or not settling.
• Bad taste or odour from the extraction site.
• The socket looks empty or the clot appears to have gone.
• Swelling, fever or feeling generally unwell.
• Bleeding after extraction that is difficult to control.

If you cannot access your own dentist and need urgent help, use NHS 111 or 111 online. NHS 111 can advise the next step but does not guarantee an appointment.

• Heavy bleeding from the mouth that will not stop with pressure.
• Swelling of the mouth, throat, neck or face affecting breathing, swallowing or speaking.
• Severe swelling affecting the eye area.
• Confusion, collapse, extreme drowsiness or signs of severe illness.
• Serious face or jaw injury.

A dentist may examine the socket and nearby tissues, check for infection or another cause of pain, and assess whether bleeding or swelling needs further care.

Treatment may include gently cleaning the socket, placing a suitable dressing, helping with pain control, and arranging review or further treatment if symptoms suggest infection or another complication.