Normally, a blood clot forms and healing takes place without a problem. If the blood clot is completely or partially lost, the bone is exposed, causing moderate to severe pain. This is one reason dentists give certain instructions after an extraction is performed. For example, we usually tell patients not to spit forcefully or suck through a straw for at least 24 hours after an extraction because the change in pressure in the mouth can dislodge the clot. Smokers should not smoke for at least 48-72 hours after an extraction.
Smoking can impede healing and increase the incidence of dry socket.
Gentle irrigation with warm salt water is also important to help keep the wound clean. Again, the pain can be moderate and severe. It is usually a throbbing pain and can radiate to the ear. Treatment by your dentist will include gentle irrigation with a saline solution and application of a medicated dressing into the socket area. Patients usually notice profound pain relief about 5 minutes after the dressing is applied.