Learn More About
Dry Socket

A dry socket is a condition that may occur after a tooth extraction procedure. It is when the blood clot in the socket or extraction site dislodges or fails to form. The patient can experience severe pain, tooth sensitivity, swelling in the area, and delayed healing.

The treatment for a dry socket commonly aims to reduce pain and promote blood clot formation. The available dentist at West Perth Dental Centre will alleviate the discomfort and determine the appropriate action to promote healing in the tooth socket.

Visit our dental clinic right away for emergency dental care. We introduce advanced technology for efficiently diagnosing and addressing dry sockets and other dental problems.

ds hero
ds top

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Dry Socket

Partial or total loss of blood clot

One of the common signs of a dry socket is the partial or complete loss of the blood clot in the tooth socket. The area can look empty when observing it.

Bitter taste in the mouth

A sudden unpleasant taste and smell in the mouth may indicate a dry socket. It occurs when food particles or bacteria begin to digest in the tooth socket, creating a distinctive bad odour and taste.

White appearance in the tooth socket

One of the most concerning symptoms of a dry socket is the visible bone in the extraction area. The patient can see a white appearance where the tooth was held.

Severe pain

After tooth extraction, pain is expected. But, excruciating discomfort can indicate the presence of a dry socket. The pain radiates from the extraction site to the jaw, ear, or neck on the same side of the face.

Our Services That Can Address a Dry Socket

ds ed

Emergency Dentist

The emergency dentist in our dental clinic will alleviate painful symptoms by applying a medicated gauze in the dry socket area. The severity of the pain and the extraction site's condition may determine the further treatment plan.

Receive First-class Care at West Perth Dental Centre

At our clinic, you'll be cared for by experienced dentists who use only the latest in dental technology. Book your appointment today!

West Perth Dental

Why Choose
West Perth Dental Centre

State-of-the-Art Dental Technology

From digital x-rays to same-day crowns, we utilise the latest advances in dental technology to provide our patients with high-quality care.

Experienced Dentists and In-house Specialists

Our dental team are highly trained and experienced, and we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your needs.

Wide Range of Payment Options

We aim to make quality dental care easy on your budget by providing flexible payment options and accepting major health funds.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT a Dry Socket

Pain in your mouth and the sides of your cheeks following a tooth extraction is common. But the discomfort that worsens after two to three days can be a symptom of a dry socket. This can be accompanied by the following:

  • Severe pain.
    The pain can radiate across the neck, jaw, temple, ears, or eyes.

  • Partial or total loss of a blood clot in the tooth socket.
    You may notice that the extraction area is empty.

  • White appearance in the extraction site.
    The white speck in your tooth socket may be the exposed bone due to dislodged blood clot.

  • Bad breath.
    A dry socket can cause an unpleasant smell and taste in the mouth.

Taking steps to manage a dry socket at home can be a major part of your treatment plan. You can do self-care such as follows to help promote healing:

  • Take pain medication that your dentist prescribes.
    It’s important to follow the prescription to achieve optimal results from medication.

  • Avoid smoking cigarettes or any tobacco products.
    Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco can delay the healing and even worsen the dry socket.

  • Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water.
    Studies showed that keeping the body hydrated can help with healing wounds.

  • Warm salt water.
    The salt has natural ingredients of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. So swishing warm salt water in your mouth can help reduce harmful bacteria and infection.

Possible risk factors for developing a dry socket may include the following:

  • Poor oral hygiene.
    Negligence to brush your teeth or keep your mouth clean can cause bacterial contamination at the extraction site.

  • Applied pressure to the extraction area.
    Putting excessive pressure on the tooth socket can dislodge or dissolve the blood clot. It can result from vigorous brushing, swishing, and drinking from a straw.

  • Smoking.
    The chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco, such as nicotine and tar, can delay the healing of a tooth socket. Also, the suction of inhaling the smoke can put pressure on the forming blood clot.

You can minimise the risk of a dry socket by visiting a dentist with experience in tooth extraction. Moreover, preventing this condition may be possible with the following:

  • Try to stop smoking before your tooth extraction. You can talk about this with your dentist.
  • Inform your dentist about any medication you’re currently taking, as certain medicines can have adverse effects on blood clotting.
  • Avoid hot and carbonated drinks.
  • Refrain from using straws following the treatment
  • Follow the post-care provided by your dentist.

A dry socket can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. It can create an intense and throbbing pain that radiates to your ear, neck, jaw, and other nearby areas. Due to severe discomfort, most people find it hard to concentrate on everyday tasks, like eating or talking.

Areas We Service: Leederville|Northbridge|Subiaco