Will a dry socket heal with only one packing? i went to er (my dr out of town) er dr said hole is closed there's nothing for him to pack...help!

WHY-NOT: If hole is closed - no pain or odor than should be ok. Go back to your dentist when he or she returns.

Dry socket: Actually, a dry socket will heal even without any packing. It will just be painful and take much, much longer to heal. Although a physician in an emergency room is not quite the same as a dentist for a dental evaluation, if you are substantially out of pain, there is no need to repack the socket. You should still see your dentist for a follow up evaluation just to make sure all is ok.

Dry socket dressing: The dressing is typically changed every 24 to 48 hours, for 3 to 6 days. However, the exact frequency and duration is simply dictated by the patient's comfort requirements. Rec.: call any dentist for the dressing change or future instructions. Medical doctors are not experts in dry socket, dentists are.