Dry socket

What is dry socket? Dry socket, also called alveolar osteitis, is a painful complication of a tooth extraction. When a tooth is pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The word ‘socket’ refers to the hole in the jawbone where the tooth used to be. This blood clot protects the bone and nerve. If the blood clot is dislodged or does not form well, the bone and nerve are left exposed. This causes extreme pain and can lead to infection. If you have dry socket, you will need to return to your dentist or oral surgeon. What are