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.
I had my tooth removed 4 days ago the one before my molar on the bottom and there is a hole In the gum and my blood clot looks smaller is this a dry socket
I had a bottom molar paritally removed 10 days ago and the remainder removed 4 days surgically as the root was fused to the bone. In between the 2 extractions i formed dry socket, however the dentist cleaned it up with the second extraction. I am still needing pain relief every 4-6 hours is that normal? Tonight i noticed a white gooy looking substance in the socket and I’m worried the dry socket is returning??
I had a tooth pulled Tuesday morning. It’s throbbing some swollen alittle. I’ve followed the after care I was given but I’m worried about dry socket. I’ve got pictures of my mouth if that will help. I’ve looked at my site but I’m not sure what I would be looking for thank you
Is it a continuous pain or intermittent pain? do find foul smell from the extraction socket ?
I am WIDE AWAKE at 1am after an extraction 14 hours ago. This hurts more than the abscess!!! I have taken pain meds and cannot take another for 2 hours. There was a dark red clot, now it almost looks green in places and I WANT TO RIP MY MOUTH OUT. Assuming dry socket, but how so soon? I am curling my toes and taking deep breaths to even type I feel so badly.
I had a molar pulled Wednesday, it is now Saturday. Slight ear and jaw pain, extraction site is a little sore and painful still. Little bit of black and white at extraction site, foul taste in my mouth. Should I be concerned?
It most probably isn’t a Dry socket. You can take the medication in case of pain if it arises before the stipulated 8 hours time frame for the first and second day. Pain tolerance and the response of the body differs from person to person, so do not worry and make sure you follow the post extraction instructions properly and take your medication regularly.
No what you have mentioned appear to be normal symptoms and the foul smell most probably is because of any food impacted in the extraction socket. Sal Water gargle after every meal can get rid of it and any slight discomfort you are feeling.
Hi , so i had a skrew put it because im getting an inplant on my bottom right side things seemed pretty normal some pain Soreness day 2 but i noticed the blood clot isnt there now i have some weird white tissue just there an I tried to remove thinking it was food but it wasn’t an i have bad taste in my mouth like morning breath i cant tell if its dry socket i dont have much pain its just that white thing that worries me it just sticking out
I had my tooth pulled yesterday had a blood clot now it is gone now what?
Nothing to worry about, You usually do not see the clot after a day as the pigmentation of the clot is not seen. Just follow the instructions are you will be better.
Please help! I’m almost 48 hours past extraction and I have dry socket. There is no doubt! I’m in so much pain it woke me up. How can I make this feel better???? This is terrible! My mouth is swelling too.
Hi, I had my back molar out on Monday, been having extreme pain with it ratiating up my jaw ect, went to dentist Wednesday and he packed it with a clove tasting thing, said it will disintegrate on its own ect and I’m on antibiotics , its been really hurting and today (Sunday) I have taken it out my self because I am getting this awful oozing liquid coming out that tastes disgusting and smells horrendous, I’ve rinsed it out with salt water and antiseptic mouthwash, instantly the awful heavy feeling went it felt so much lighter but I am still in pain and inside the hole it looks whitish/grey and I’m still getting the bad taste ect, should I get an emergency dentist to have a look at it or should I wait till tomorrow and ring my dentist? Thankyou
Hey i had a tooth pulled thursday at 845 and it now Monday. It’s one of the back teeth and it looks like dark matter greyish blackish? Is that alright? I’m in no pain whatsoever and my breath seems fine and i get the irony taste only if accidentally touch it with my tongue which i know not to do.
What you are describing is the normal healing process, there is nothing to worry about. Make sure you use a mouthwash to gargle well and prevent any food particles.
I got a molar pulled on Wednesday and i the is a deep hole filled with a white substance is it dry socket?
I had a molar removed almost 2 weeks ago . Had to go back to have it redone.Question… How can it heal if it is always wet .. There is pain behind the hole in the jaw bone and it hurts to swallow… Following the rules re rinsing etc. The site is always mucky looking and wet.. I can’t eat solid food and am getting sick of slop . what should I do Please help…
2 weeks is almost the time when the soft tissue healing is in its final stages, you can eat solid foods starting from 5-7 days after the surgery. The mild pain which you feel might be due to food getting stuck in the socket. Make sure you rinse your mouth properly after every meal (using salt water whenever possible).
I had a lower jaw tooth extracted on the right side 5 days ago. It is white in that area but bleeding still a little. my jaw is swollen but not as bad today as yesterday. tonight i started to feel very week and faint and took my temperature and it is only 95.8. I am not scheduled to see the dentist for a follow up until thursday. is there something i should do tonight? do I need to call the dentist? not so much pain but some in my right ear.
Hello I’m afraid I have a dry socket. It has been 4 days since I got my molar pulled. I have a small pain but I’m thinking it’s just because my gums are still healing and a little sore. The pain isn’t bad but the lost tooth site looks dark. Should I be worried of dry socket?
I had a extraction done yesterday and I’m in no pain right now but my hole where the tooth was is drying up and I don’t see much blood anymore should I worry??? I have been using salt water. I did use a A syringe to get out food particles that was stuck. (Grits) and when should I worry about a dry socket???
There is no need to worry about a Dry Socket, the more you think about it the more you feel pain (psychological pain). Usually after 24 hours the clot in the socket stabilizes and you wont be seeing any blood or exudation coming out of the socket. Just make sure you keep the socket clean and the healing will progress without any problem.
I looked this morning and the extraction looks white and brownish red looking color? Is this bad?? I’ve been cleaning it out with salt water and with a syringe for food If it got in there. What color should it look like? I don’t see a bone just a white color with brownish red
And how hard should I use the syringe when I am flushing the tooth out from particles?
I drink nothing but water and been eating soft food like ice cream and yogurt and applesauce. I see little bubbles in the extraction hole too is that normal. Sorry for all the questions I just don’t won’t this. I feel no pain yet and it’s been two days just feels uncomfortable.
I have little air bubbles in my socket where the tooth was is this normal? It’s a white brownish creamy color beneath the bubbles. Could this just be a build up of saliva? I’ve been using mouthwash and salt water.. help please.
I had a back tooth extracted 6 days and the pain is becoming more unbearable. I have a knot under my throat, sore throat, swollen jaw, ear pain and back of head pain and low grade fever.
does this sound like a dry socket or something else?
I had my tooth pulled 6 days ago. I still feel pain. Sometimes its uncomfortable. Sometimes it can be treated with over the counter pain relief. When i look in the site. I see a white colored substance. A few days ago i had a horible taste in my mouth but it went away. The site seems to be getting smaller but my pain isnt really getting better. But isnt getting worse. Is this normal?
This seems more like food impaction in the extraction socket site, as there is a hole food tends to get impacted in the site of extraction. As the hole becomes smaller it becomes difficult to clean the food from it, aggressive gargling after eating food is helpful in such cases
It’s the fourth day since my tooth extraction. There’s some small pain occasionally and the socket is filled with some white substance with dark bluish spots under the white substance that can be visible. Is this a dry socket ?
Not exactly Dry Socket, but just the healing process along with some food substances. Just make sure to clean the socket properly.
I got my left wisdom teeth removed 2 days ago. It hurts today more than ever, and there was yellowish clumps all around the site. I got stitches so I don’t have an open socket but when I swallow for some reason it feels like it’s getting suction, s I’m worried I caused a dry socket. Also, on the first day of surgery I took a nap with gauze in and there was a long blood clot attached to the gauze, so that also makes me think that was taken out of the socket. I don’t think there’s a bad smell or taste and I’m not sure if the pain I’m feeling is the awful pain of a dry socket, or if I’m just a baby, because this HURTS!
Hi Maddy, there is nothing to worry about, what you are seeing and feeling is completely normal. The yellowish lumps are just food stuck to the sutures, as it has been 2 days you can start gargling which will clean the lumps as well.
Had a tooth extraction 4 days ago Top molar… it’s not to painful anymore just more itchy and a throbbing every now and again but manageable. I’m doing salt water rinse and rinsing with antiseptic mouth wash 4/5 times aday… today I had a look inside the socket and it looks grey and black… gum is still swollen where tooth was pulled out… worried about dry socket as I keep getting food stuck inside the socket which stinks when it falls out.
Its been two days since my 2nd molar got extracted. There’s a small pain and i can see lil white substance and theres also a black one not sure if its blood or what and theres saliva on the socket too. Is it a dry socket?
It most probably is food remnants stuck in the socket, as its been two days you need to start gargling after every meal to make sure that no food particles are stuck in the socket. As for the white part it is the healing process.
There is nothing to worry if you are having intermittent pain, in Dry socket you will be having continuous pain and foul smell from the socket.
Its been a week since my extraction. All i can see in the extraction site is a lil white thing and the gums. I also have a canker sore. There’s also a bitter taste in my mouth which started yesterday when I accidentally bite the side of the tongue near the extraction site but its not painful
Hi i got a tooth out on fri all I can see is white in the actual socket I have been in awful pain since sun to point where I’m not getting proper sleep and having to take pain killers during the night is this normal it was a back molar that I gir extracted any info greatly appreciated the min i ear anytbing the pain is so much worse and only way to ease it at minute is taking oain relief tbanks
It certainly seems like either the socket is infected or might be a dry socket (due to the time frame), it is best to get it checked with your surgeon who extracted the tooth.
Its the normal healing process which you are experiencing, the bitter taste can be due to the canker sore as well. There is nothing to worry about.
Hi. Three days ago my surgeon removed my horizontal teeth semi impacted , he just pulled my bottom teeth out didn’t use stitches. So I have two holes, after surgery I was given a strong injection for pain and meds . I have been rinsing the areas . Yesterday I noticed a bad taste but it went away as I could remove some food from there . I’m worried there’s still food stuck there. Since yesterday I started feeling pain in one area ( I didn’t feel any pain after surgery), it’s something that I can bear but it’s really uncomfortable … with meds it’s barely noticeable. I’m afraid this might be dry socket. Or it’s normal to feel more pain on days 3-5,6. Hope you can help me.
Its quite normal to feel a little pain or to be put precisely “discomfort” in the extraction site up to 5 days after extraction. Do not worry unless you are feeling severe, throbbing pain.
Hello. 5 days ago I had tooth #31 extracted. I was feeling pain for the first 3 days and then on the 4th day and most of the 5th day (today) I didn’t have much pain at all. Tonight I started feeling pain again, as bad as it was the second and 3rd day. The site looks like it’s healing with some white tissue. The dissolving stitches seem to be gone now..im just worried about how bad the pain is. Is this normal? Could it be dry socket or an infection?
In most cases it might be food stuck in the extraction socket which is causing the pain, make sure you start gargling properly and keep monitoring.
Sir my lower wisdom tooth was extracted on 03/08/2020.I have no bleeding or severe pain.no bad smell or bad taste.but there is a white material on the site.gums are painful even now.is it normal.thank u.
It is quite normal to have sore gums up until 1 week to 10 days, as for the white material it mostly is the normal healing tissue forming in the socket.
I had my wisdom tooth pulled 4 days ago. I’m on antibiotics but slight tingling pain but not severe and swallowing bad rotten meat taste from extraction site. The inside of socket is grayish and black. Having nausea feeling in stomach.
Got my back molar pulled 5 days ago now. The area has changed nearly every day, white stuff, dots, then greyish, then more white stuff with darker middle red area, now th middle area looks deeper and more red, discomfort is high. But pain is minor. I also gave in and smoked about 2 days ago. I’m worried now that it looks a bit deaper.
What you are mentioning is the normal healing process after an Extraction, the grey and white discoloration of the socket is normal. Make sure that you are gargling after every meal to prevent food from being stuck in the socket which can lead to infection of the socket.
Smoking is a major cause of Dry Socket, so its better that you refrain from smoking till your discomfort subsides.