Dry socket after wisdom teeth removal
Dry socket is when the blood clot doesn't form in the socket, or comes away. It can happen 3 to 5 days after the removal: an intense, throbbing ache in the gum or jaw, a bad smell or taste, and sometimes bone you can see. Go back to your dentist: they clean the socket and put in a medicated dressing. They may also give you pain relief or antibiotics.
The signs, what your dentist does, and how to help it heal.
Free to send, no obligation. One registered dentist rings you, not five.
- 3–5 daysafter the removal
- Throbbingan intense ache in the gum or jaw
- Dressingyour dentist cleans and dresses it
- 24 hoursno rinsing or spitting
The signs
- An intense ache or throbbing in the gum or jaw, 3 to 5 days after the removal.
- An unpleasant smell or taste in your mouth.
- Sometimes bone you can see in the socket.
Check what your removal involves
Four quick taps. You see the likely type of removal, the likely cost, the tax relief and your recovery time. Your number is only asked for at the end, if you want an assessment.
Say one lower wisdom tooth is stuck under the gum: that's usually a surgical removal, typically €250 to €420 at Irish practices, plus €50 to €83 for the x-ray, with 20% tax relief back.
How this is worked out
The likely type of removal comes from what you tell us: a tooth that's stuck under the gum, or partly through in the lower jaw, usually needs a small cut in the gum; one that's through and easy to reach usually comes out whole. The prices are the range Irish dental practices publish for a wisdom tooth, per tooth, plus a panoramic x-ray and, if you pick it, IV sedation. Tax relief is 20% of the removal when it's a surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth. The recovery times are the HSE's. It's a guide to plan with, never a diagnosis or a quote: the dentist decides after an examination and an x-ray.
What your dentist does
Go back to your dentist. They can clean the socket, put in a medicated dressing, and give you pain relief or antibiotics.
Helping the clot stay
- Don't rinse, spit or have hot drinks for the first 24 hours.
- Don't smoke or drink alcohol: they can affect healing.
- After 24 hours, rinse gently, not hard.
Questions people ask
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is when the blood clot doesn't form in the socket, or comes away. It can happen 3 to 5 days after the removal: an intense, throbbing ache in the gum or jaw, a bad smell or taste, and sometimes bone you can see. Go back to your dentist: they clean the socket and put in a medicated dressing.
When does dry socket happen?
It can happen 3 to 5 days after the removal.
What should I do if I think I have dry socket?
Go back to your dentist. They can clean the socket, add a medicated dressing, and give you pain relief or antibiotics.
Check what your removal involves
Four taps to the likely type, cost and recovery, then one Dental Council registered dentist or oral surgeon who covers your county rings you.