What
Lost healing clot
When
Day 3–5 after extraction
Risk factors
Smoking, lower wisdom teeth
Treatment
Soothing dressing
Overview
A dry socket happens when the protective blood clot in an extraction site is lost or breaks down early, leaving the underlying bone exposed. It typically appears a few days after the extraction as a deep, throbbing ache that can radiate to the ear. It isn't an infection, and it settles quickly once treated.
Common questions
What causes it?
Loss of the healing clot. Smoking or vaping, vigorous rinsing or spitting, and disturbing the area all increase the risk, as does removal of a lower wisdom tooth.
How do I know if I have one?
Pain that was settling suddenly worsens around day 3–5, often with a bad taste or odour.
How is it treated?
We gently clean the socket and place a soothing medicated dressing, which usually relieves the pain quickly. It may need replacing once or twice.
How do I avoid it?
Don't smoke, avoid rinsing hard for the first 24 hours, and follow your after-surgery instructions closely.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026