Just had a tooth pulled? Congrats on getting through it! But what happens if the pain doesn't subside, and instead, intensifies a few days later? You might be dealing with dry socket, a painful dental condition.
Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. Ouch! So, how do you know if you have it?
**Key signs of dry socket include:**
* **Severe pain:** Throbbing pain that radiates from the extraction site to your ear, eye, or temple, typically starting 2-4 days after extraction.
* **Empty socket:** Visually, the socket might appear empty or have a whitish or greyish color instead of a dark blood clot.
* **Bad breath/Taste:** A foul odor or unpleasant taste in your mouth that won't go away with brushing.
* **Visible bone:** In some cases, you might be able to see the exposed bone within the socket.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately. Dry socket is treatable! They can clean the area, apply medicated dressings, and provide pain relief. Don't suffer in silence – early intervention is key to faster healing and pain management!
