I have pain and bad smell coming from a wisdom tooth extraction site. Is it dry socket?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had two wisdom teeth removed a week ago, and I still have some pain in the lower left extraction site. If I touch near the extraction site with a finger and then smell my finger, there is definitely a bad smell. I have controlled this with using another finger to touch the same place on the opposite side of the mouth, and there is no smell. Do you think this could be a dry socket? Do I need to go back to the dentist or should I just stay home and wait for it to improve? I have attached a picture of the extraction site.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query.

As per the symptoms and image attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it looks like the extraction site is not healing as it appears empty. Yes, it looks like a dry socket, but a clinical examination is a must. You should not wait as the area can become progressively painful. You should consult your dentist and get evaluated. In the case of dry socket, you will be given a sedative medicated dressing like zinc oxide eugenol into the socket. Along with it, a course of antibiotics and painkillers will also be advised. Please write back with more queries. Regards.