What does a dry socket feel like?
A dry socket is characterized by a sudden onset of a dull achy pain that usually occurs 3-4 days after a dental extraction, which cannot be relieved by pain medication. After a dental extraction, such as the removal of a wisdom tooth, a blood clot forms at the extraction site. This clot protects the surgical sites and facilitates healing. However, in some patients, the clot is lost prematurely and exposes the socket. This unprotected socket begins to experience pain and collects food, which often results in a foul odor and/or bad taste. Follow the post-operative instructions given to you to minimize possible complications.
