What is a Dry Socket?

Here is a patient-submitted photograph of their dry socket following a tooth extraction.  Notice the dark area behind the last tooth.  

When the healing blood clot that typically forms over an extraction site gets removed, for one reason or another, the bony socket where the tooth used to be is known as a "dry socket". 

These are usually very sore and painful.  The healing cannot very well be accelerated, but the aching can be managed with the application of a medicated dressing by the surgeon.  

Increased risk factors for dry socket includes:  SMOKING, diabetes, vigorous liquid swishing too soon after surgery, drinking carbonated beverages after surgery, eating hard or sharp food, applying negative pressure as when sucking through a straw, etc.

Avoid these activities after surgery.