Some pain and swelling is expected for several days after surgery. You can manage this with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience a dry socket, which is caused when the blood clot becomes dislodged, you may feel sharp throbbing pain. Avoid straws and smoking for 1 week to help prevent dry socket and be sure to keep the extraction site clean. Contact our office if you experience pain beyond what is expected throughout the healing process.