Dry Socket is a very painful condition which is a result of dislodgement of the blood clot 2-3 days after the extraction and looking at Dry Socket pictures gives you an idea of whether it is really a Dry Socket or just a healing Socket after extraction. This leads to exposure of the bone which is the cause of the pain. Dry socket leads to radiating pain which can be felt at the site, extra orally as well with pain in the ears and the side of the head. Dry socket after wisdom tooth removal is seen more commonly as compared to other teeth due to the surgical procedure which is followed such as removal of bone etc.
In the Normal healing process, the Blood clot is present in the socket which gives the bone a chance to fill in the empty socket space overtime. With the loss of clot, the socket and bone are exposed delaying healing which leads to the excruciating pain felt by the patients. You can check here the complete details about – “Dry Socket or Alveolar Osteitis“
Dry Socket Tooth Extraction Symptoms:
Severe Radiating Pain to the Ear or other parts of the face.
The socket is devoid of clot or contains brown, friable clot which is easily washed out.
Foul smell: Due to Food debris accumulated in the socket which starts disintegrating.
On washing away of the food debris the bare pocket floor can be seen which is extremely sensitive to touch.
Regional Lymph nodes: Tender and enlarged.
Occasionally Pyrexia is seen.
dry socket formation
With the main reason for Dry Socket being loss of Blood clot it is important that the main emphasis on treating Dry socket be restoring the Blood clot in the extraction site which will help in starting the healing process. If you are a Dental Student looking for how a dry socket looks or a patient suffering from dry socket, the set of images listed below is how a dry socket looks clinically. Normal socket after a tooth extraction should be without any food particles being stuck in it along with a healthy blood clot.
Dry Socket With Necrotic Bone
In the Images shown above and below, it is clearly visible that there is a loss of Blood clot from the extraction site as the necrotic bone is clearly visible which is a typical appearance of Dry Socket. Clinically we can also see that there is a foul smell being emitted from the site another typical sign of Dry Socket.
Dry socket with unhealed Socket
The image shown below shows the presence of slough or necrotic substance in the extraction site which is a sign that the extraction site is not healing and it is infected. This infection leads to loss of normal healing tissue and in turn loss of blood clot and exposure of bone. So treatment in such cases required copious irrigation of the extraction site and the use of a ZOE pack after the site is cleaned and bleeding is instigated to help in future blood clot formation.
Necrotic tissue or Slough formation in extraction site of Dry Socket
Who are more likely to get Dry Socket?
Here are some of the habits of things when done is likely to result in Dry Socket. So it is important to note that the things mentioned below are to be avoided at any cost to help in proper healing and prevent Dry Socket formation after extraction.
Smoking – It is a strict “NO” after Tooth extraction, it is seen that the major percent of Dry socket patients are known to be smoking after extraction. It is best to avoid smoking for a couple of days after extraction.
Poor Oral Hygiene: This is also one of the major causes of Dry socket, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene after tooth extraction.
History of Dry Socket: Patients who have earlier faced Dry socket are more likely to get dry socket.
Oral Contraceptive Pills: Patients on Contraceptive pills are seen to get Dry Socket.
Increased Bone cutting and Trauma during Wisdom tooth removal:
Aggressive rinsing immediately after extraction, drinking with a straw: These are two things which result in dislodgement of the Blood clot in the Socket and exposure of the bone which is one of the causes of Dry Socket.
It is important to note that the above mentioned points are to be avoided at any cost the make sure that you do not get Dry Socket.
Dry Socket with Slough formation – The slough seen is the cause of the Foul smell and Foul taste which you experience in Dry Socket.
Dry Socket in the upper left 2nd molar
It is very important for a Dentist to keep regular followups with the patients after extraction to make sure that any initial signs of Dry socket formation are detected and treated. The patient needs to follow all the post-extraction instructions given by the Dentist to the point and make sure that no instruction is taken for granted which might lead to a Dry Socket formation.
Not Exactly, you will be getting pain and foul smell from the socket if it is dry socket.
Hey what is these little white things in the holes we’re I got my theeth pulled
Sometimes it can be just food particles stuck in the socket and sometimes the healing tissue is also white.
Hi i had a molar removed 34 hours ago. I was worried because the dentist removed it with an abcess and did not perscribe antibiotics.the clot is yellow and black and white and seems to be slowly getting smaller already is this normal? I also have a shooting pain going through my jaw.
Did your pain killers finish? The reason for shoting pain can be because of the healing process as well. So if you are not having continuous pain, it is nothing to worry about.
Dr Varun,
Just had molar 19 removed this past Wednesday. Today I have a white covering or white-ish looking socket. I have some minor numb pain but nothing too bad. Is this early dry socket? Would a socket look white if it wasn’t dry socket?
Thanks,
Ron
If there is no pain and foul smell from the socket, it is more likely that the white remnants are food stuck in the socket, or the healing tissue. Sometimes if the gingiva surrounding the socket does not get blood supply it turns white and later is discarded when new tissue grows. So there is nothing to worry about and follow the post extraction instructions properly.
I think I have dry socket …my mouth tastes nasty and I am in horrible pain..it’s Saturday evening my dentist does not open again until Monday what can I do..
Just had a lower back tooth removed. It was abscessed and draining puss. How long after extraction will it continue to drain? I can’t tell if it’s dry socket or the abscess still draining.
It will take atleast 24 hours till the Clot formation stabilizes and stops the exudate. So there is nothing to worry and just make sure that you follow all the post extraction instructions given.
I don’t know if I have a dry socket or not but I did have several of my teeth extracted. In one of sockets is white and looks like there’s something black at the bottom of the socket. I do have some pain. Like I can’t sleep on the side of where this socket is. Can you tell me what you think could be the problem by the description I gave.
Thank you
Can you let me know how many days has it been since your extraction? If there is just discoloration without severe throbbing pain and foul smell from the socket, there is nothing to worry about, just make sure you maintain good oral hygiene. This dosen’t seem like a Dry Socket to me. But if you experience severe pain make sure you visit your dentist.
Hi, I had a upper molur extracted 9 days ago, it’s not totally open but there is a gap in the middle of the site ( not huge) There was a tiny piece of tooth the dentist couldn’t remove but he said it should work it’s self out on it’s own.
I have been in quite a lot of pain and taking painkillers. It’s much worse if I lie down At night. It’s a little hot and swollen round the gum
If there is pain, it is better to get the piece removed as well as it might still be the source of infection. Its better you get back to your dentist and get an Xray done to know whether the tooth piece is the source of the pain and might be prescribing more antibiotics.
Hi I just had a bottom second from the back molar removed its been 3 days am a little concerned when I got it pulled x rays showed it was so infected that it had made its way in around the jaw where the tooth was..she pulled it sent me home with no antibiotics now its got whitish stuff on the hole does not hurt to bad but my left side by my ear still hurts and under my left jaw still tender white stuff smells a bit but seems to be getting better do I have anything to worry about seeing she pulled such a infected tooth? and is this possibly dry socket ? thanks Lee
I had a lower back extraction 7 days ago. I am still experiencing pain which is controlled by home pain killers. is this normal to be in pain still?
Hi i had my back bottom molar extracted 6 days ago no bad smell no pain but have a white looking in the extraction sight but a am I in the clear of having a dry socket when I smoke
Looks like you do not have a dry socket and as for being in clear of having a dry socket while smoking is just lucky as Smoking is a major causative factor for dry socket.
no you should not be having any pain after 3 days after your extraction, pain after 7 days needs to be checked as it may be a case of secondary infection.
There is nothing to worry about as long as you are not facing any pain. you will be surprised by the way your body heals itself when given a little push, so do not worry you are not at a risk for Dry socket.
Hi today makes 5 days since I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled in the back the bottom of my mouth on the right side I see a white tissue does that mean I got food stuck back there ? Or if my mouth is healing ? I did pick at a lil bit because if it was food I was trying to get it out now all I feel is a little throbbing pain should I be worried ?
Have you completed your Pain killers and Antibiotics course ?
hi
i had molar extraction 2 days back
now it looks like whitish with blackish base and there is slight pain sometimes.
is there anything to worry about?
Hi,
I had an extraction yesterday. I’m not having pain, but I cannot see the appearance of the blood clot as I was able to earlier, I just see a whitish substance over where the blood clot was. Is this normal healing, or did the clot dissolve?
It is completely normal, there is nothing to worry about
If I make it bleed will that help form a clot to help the dry socket
Its better not to do anything on your own, if you make it bleed as dislodge the clot which was already formed it might lead to secondary infection or a Dry Socket (if it was not yet formed) or uncontrolled bleeding.
I had an upper tooth extracted 5 days ago. It was partially broken and infected likely prior to extraction. I was not given an medicine before or after. Yesterday I went in due to progressive pain, xray showed no remaining tooth or bone and dentist said not dry socket. They did give me an antibiotic and a syringe as I had food debris that may have been the culprit to my pain. They did give me an antibiotic but site look black still. About how long until that clears from the black look to normal gum color? Only ‘discomfort’ is the upper gum feels and looks like a cancur sore like where the gum and lip meet.
Also, must I wait 2 weeks before smoking? I’m going to Denver this weekend and would like to partake in the activities ?
For the complete socket to heal it takes anywhere from 10-15 days depending on the amount of infection which was present earlier, the type of extraction etc. There is nothing to worry, just make sure that you maintain good oral hygiene and do not let food accumilate in the socket. Smoking is a main cause for Dry socket so better avoided as long as possible.
I had an upper tooth extracted 5 days ago. It was partially broken and infected likely prior to extraction. I was not given an medicine before or after. Yesterday I went in due to progressive pain, xray showed no remaining tooth or bone and dentist said not dry socket. They did give me an antibiotic and a syringe as I had food debris that may have been the culprit to my pain. They did give me an antibiotic but site look black still. About how long until that clears from the black look to normal gum color? Only ‘discomfort’ is the upper gum feels and looks like a cancur sore like where the gum and lip meet.
Also, must I wait 2 weeks before smoking? I’m going to Denver this weekend and would like to partake in the activities ?
I had my top molar pulled 6 days ago. I was completely pain free until today. All of sudden I can a dull throbbing. I look at the site and can see some white bUT not sure what it is supposed to look like. If it is a dry socket will it get better being that it’s already been 6 days since my extraction?
I had my top molar 3xtracted 6 days ago. I was in no pain until today. All of a sudden I have this dull throbbing. I looked at the site and can see some white but I’m not sure what it is supposed to look like. If it is a dry socket will it get better soon being that it’s been 6 days since my tooth was pulled?
Just simple while colour in the extraction site can be sure to food impacted in the socket, it might be the cause of rdull throbbing pain. It is better to maintain good oral hygiene and gargle after every meal. It might not be dry socket so do not worry.
Hello, I had my left bottom first molar pulled out over a week ago. It got infected so I went back and they cleaned it and gave me antibiotics. Then a day later the sutures came out and now I have a hole with white stuff. I still have swelling. No severe pain anymore. I’ll see the dentist again tomorrow. Why is it taking so long to heal and will they close the hole back up since the sutures prematurely came out?
There is nothing to worry about, the hole will get closed by itself. In most cases we do not gives sutures a second time unless there has been some type of treatment performed again. If there is no swelling you do not need to worry and just keep maintaining good oral hygiene and you will be good.
I had all my upper teeth pulled today is day 6 and there’s a foul smell but not alot of pain but it kinda looks like discoloration coming out or in the socket and I can feel none in one side is this normal
Its just normal healing process which you are experiencing. The foul smell can be due to food stuck in the socket, just follow good oral hygiene and you will be fine.
I have had 3 extractions done at different times since last year. Each time I ended up getting a dry socket. I go back to the dentist and he clean the extraction site out and give me the dressing to use since I was not able to go back every day due to work. This last extraction was done on August 9 and her it is 15 days later and I am still suffering from a dry socket. I went back to my dentist this past Wednesday and he put more dressing on there but it just doesn’t seem like it want to heal. Help
Repeated Dressings are the only useful treatment known for Dry Socket. Dry Socket literally means loss of blood clot in the extraction socket due to which the bone is exposed and leads to necrosis of the underlying bone and leads to a dry socket. The best treatment is to induce a clot and place a ZOE Pack until it gets fixed.
I had tooth number eighteen removed and yesterday and I have more main today I’m scared I have dry socket
Have you started the medication prescribed by the Dentist? If it is bearable pain, it is normal but if the pain is severe and radiating to the ear and side of the head, better head to the dentist to get it checked. It can be a case of just Food impaction in the socket or a case of developing Dry socket. Make sure you follow the post-extraction instructions properly and maintain good oral hygiene while taking Medication regularly.
Hi I had my 2nd left Molar extracted 6 days ago and a have pain that comes for a little while then goes away after painkillers, it looks like white puss in the gums with slight grey, I am on antibiotics at the moment.
There is nothing to worry about, make sure that you rinse your mouth regularly after every meal to make sure that no food particles are stuck in the Extraction socket. If there is any food stuck in the socket it can lead to pain and foul smell as well. In the case of Dry Socket, no painkillers will be helpful.
hi I had an extraction 72 hours ago not to sure is the clot still there underneath it looks ok but on top its a whitish light grey color all I have is a bad taste in my mouth but no pain and the gums on the side of the extraction site are a darkish red color and on the side of the socket there is a white sticky substance should I be concerned ?
All that you mentioned are normal healing signs, there is nothing to worry about. As it is 72 hours it is best to start rinsing so that there is no food stuck in the socket which can be the cause of bad taste.
Ok thanks for your time
I had an extraction on the 20th of last month , today is the 1st . Going on day 11 no pain really the hole just looks really deep . Am I still at risk for developing dry socket ? I am scared just off the deep look . What do you recommend?
There is nothing to worry about, the hole takes a lot of time months to 3 months to completely heal depending on the person and their immunity and how clean the socket is maintained. If you have no pain then nothing to worry about, just make sure that you do not let any food be impacted in the socket and clean it properly after every meal.
Hi
It’s me again lol does dry socket only develop within days after surgery ? Or can it develop weeks later ? I’m on day 15 and am wondering when I have to stop worrying . Can it appear to be healing then weeks later develop dry socket ? Thank you again :)
Its usually days, as Dry Socket literally means the loss of any soft tissue in the extraction socket thus exposing the Bone, the bone then gets inflammed and leads to dry socket. So after 15 days the platelet plug would have hardened and the tissue formation would also have started. So there is no need to worry about having a dry socket now.