I am 31 years old, and I had a tooth extracted last week. Do I have a dry socket?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Dry socket is the term used for the failure of the extraction socket to heal, incomplete blood clot formation leading to continued bleeding, and foul smell from the mouth with sharp shooting pain.

From the image attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) and details mentioned, the extraction was done a few days ago, and yet it has not healed properly. It might be a dry socket, even if it is not a dry socket you still need to check with your dentist. The socket will be cleaned and rinsed properly, and if required you will be given a week's antibiotic course.

For now, please follow these steps:

1. Do warm saline mouth rinse three to four times and avoid chewing on very hot and hard food from the affected side.
2. Take tablet A to Z (multivitamins) supplements if there is any such deficiency.
3. Drink plenty of water.

I hope I was able to help you.