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What are the symptoms suggestive of dry socket?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I got my molar extracted. It has been over 36 hours. The socket is turning white in color now, and I have a bad taste and smell in my mouth. Is it infection or just normal healing? Kindly give your opinion.
Answered by Dr. Rakshana Devi M

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rakshana Devi is a Dental Surgeon who graduated from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in 2020. She has three years of clinical experience. She is qualified to diagnose and treat diseases that affect the gums and teeth and do Dental Scaling, Root Canal Treatment, Tooth Extraction, Impacted Tooth Surgery, Replacement of Teeth, Rigid and Flexible Denture, Dental Filling, and Bleeding Gums Treatment. She is actively involved in all Dental Rrocedures and can serve patients effectively.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and the files attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Certain people will have a dry socket after extraction. It is normal nowadays, no need to worry. A dry socket is a complication that develops after extraction. There are many reasons for dry sockets like smoking, spitting saliva, and more.

Continue the same medication. Do salt water gargling and spit slowly once a day. Avoid brushing on that side. Avoid chewing that side. Give ice pack massage extra orally of that tooth. Avoid spitting saliva. Drink more water and have a soft diet. If it increases, then do calcium hydroxide dressing for that teeth by a nearby dentist.

I hope this was helpful.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sushrutha M.
Published At October 30, 2021
Reviewed At January 20, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rakshana Devi is a Dental Surgeon who graduated from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in 2020. She has three years of clinical experience. She is qualified to diagnose and treat diseases that affect the gums and teeth and do Dental Scaling, Root Canal Treatment, Tooth Extraction, Impacted Tooth Surgery, Replacement of Teeth, Rigid and Flexible Denture, Dental Filling, and Bleeding Gums Treatment. She is actively involved in all Dental Rrocedures and can serve patients effectively.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sushrutha M. is an ambitious Dentist who completed her BDS degree from JSS Dental College and Hospital. In 2019, she pursued a Postgraduate Certification course in Esthetic Dentistry from M.S. Ramaiah Dental College. Fluent in English, she possesses six years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rakshana Devi M
Dr. Rakshana Devi M

Dentistry

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rakshana Devi is a Dental Surgeon who graduated from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in 2020. She has three years of clinical experience. She is qualified to diagnose and treat diseases that affect the gums and teeth and do Dental Scaling, Root Canal Treatment, Tooth Extraction, Impacted Tooth Surgery, Replacement of Teeth, Rigid and Flexible Denture, Dental Filling, and Bleeding Gums Treatment. She is actively involved in all Dental Rrocedures and can serve patients effectively.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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