A dry socket is a painful and uncomfortable condition that occurs when a tooth’s nerve is exposed during tooth extraction. This can happen if a blood clot does not form at the area of extraction or the socket. You can seek dental care in Grand Haven from an experienced dentist if you identify any symptoms of dry sockets.
Let us now see into the main symptoms of dry sockets.
- Severe pain that can’t be controlled by over-the-counter medications
The pain experienced by a dry socket patient can be very severe and can last for several weeks or months. You should consult a dentist immediately in case the pain is unbearable as it becomes difficult to concentrate, eat, and interact with others.
- Pain extending across the side of your face from where your tooth was pulled
The dry socket pain can be so severe that you feel it in different parts of your body. It can be so bad that you feel the pain in your face and ear, as well as on the side of the mouth or cheek. This pain can greatly affect your morale and concentration levels.
- Bad odor in the mouth
A dry socket can cause an infection that affects the gum tissues and soft tissues of the mouth, causing a foul smell. The infection may also spread into other parts of the body if left unattended.
- Lack of blood clot over your socket
The blood clot formation normally starts immediately after the tooth is pulled out of the socket. It protects and seals the area during healing. If it’s not properly formed or clotted, there is a chance of developing a dry socket.
- Visible bone in your socket
After the tooth is pulled out of the socket, the exposed bone may be seen in a dry socket. You or your dentist can determine whether this is a dry socket when you can see visible bone in your socket. This is a strong sign of dry socket infection.
- Bad taste or the presence of pus in your mouth
Dry socket may also cause the presence of pus in your mouth, which is likely to have an unpleasant taste. This is one of the most common symptoms of dry sockets that you can look out for. Get yourself checked by your dentist if you are experiencing bad taste or pus in your mouth along with other mentioned symptoms.