A member asked:

What is a dry socket and how serious is it?

4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Very serious: Dry socket is a painful serious complication after a tooth is extracted. It is not common--only about 5-7% of all extractions.

Answered 1/3/2021

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Painful : A dry socket will present as intense/increasing pain typically 48 hours after a tooth extraction. Treatment is to have a medicated dressing placed into the affected area. Antibiotics will not help a dry socket.

Answered 4/19/2014

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Bone infection: A dry socket, is a complication of wound healing following extraction of a tooth. Dry socket is an osteitis or bone inflammation which happens when the clot is lost and the socket has a dry appearance because of exposed bone. This bare bone is exposed to bacteria in saliva and becomes infected causing pain. The condition is serious and your dentist should be consulted.

Answered 12/7/2012

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