How to tell if you have a dry socket or infection after wisdom teeth removal?

Dry socket: The only way to tell for sure is to have the extraction site examined. See your dentist or oral surgeon for an examination.

Dry Socket Symptoms: BrittneyM; A few days after the extraction you would notice a chronic ache from the extraction site. Analgesics may relieve the pain temporarily; however, as the medication wears off the discomfort returns. Most often a small bolus of food prevents the wound from healing. Simple irrigation of the site and placement of a dry socket paste immediately relieves the pain.

Dry socket: Gradually increasing pain, bad taste, tenderness, foul smell. If you have any post-extraction concerns you should immediately return to your Dentist or Oral Surgeon for reevaluation.