Do I have dry socket?

Question

I had my wisdom teeth extraction on the 15th, now it's the 20th and I am still in pain. Not a lot, but about moderate, constant pain. I am still taking my pain pills though, but don't ABSOLUTELY need them, I could PROBABLY get by with just taking Advil. My entire mouth is dried out, no matter how much water I drink. My gums stopped bleeding the middle of day 3. What do you do if you have dry socket? Does it go away on it's own or do you have to see the dentist?

Also, I have this funky taste in my mouth. Almost bitter, metalic tasting.

Answer 1

SOME IMPORTANT INFO. ON DRY SOCKET:
Summary
Dry socket is a condition characterized by severe pain after a tooth extraction. The pain generally begins a day or two following the extraction and can last for one to several weeks. It occurs when the blood clot that protects the tooth socket (alveolus) either does not form normally or is dislodged, leaving the bony socket open and exposed.

Dry socket is more likely to occur following the extraction of teeth on the lower jaw than the upper jaw and is most common after wisdom teeth are extracted. Dry socket occurs most commonly in people with diabetes, people who smoke and women, especially those taking oral contraceptives.

The severe pain of dry socket typically radiates out from the site of extraction and cannot be relieved by over-the-counter painkillers. If the extracted tooth was on the lower jaw, there is usually additional pain around the ear on the side of the extraction. Dry socket may also cause bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth and spasms in the jaw muscles.

Treatment of dry socket is generally very effective in reducing the pain while the tooth socket heals. X-rays may be performed to look for additional complications, such as fragments of the tooth that may remain in the socket. To treat dry socket, a dentist rinses the affected tooth socket to remove any debris. Then, a medicated dressing containing analgesics and antiseptics is lightly packed into the open socket. This helps to relieve pain, prevent bacterial or fungal infection or other forms of irritation, and prevent food particles from building up in the socket. The dressing will be replaced daily or more frequently if necessary.

One major aspect of prevention is risk assessment before tooth extraction. The dentist or oral surgeon will compile a thorough medical and dental history to evaluate the patient’s risk of developing dry socket. If the risk is high, a dentist may choose a method of tooth extraction designed to cause less trauma. Dentists also frequently recommend a professional dental cleaning before the tooth is extracted to ensure that plaque and tartar levels are at a minimum. Gentle tooth brushing and mouth rinses are typically recommended for seven days after the extraction. Patients are usually told to avoid rinsing their mouths vigorously for at least the first day.
THE BAD TASTE MAY INDEED BE FROM THE DRY SOCKET.

Answer 2

Dry sockets usually arise 3 days post-op. They are due to early breakdown of the clot (fibrinolysis), and are most common in smokers, lower extractions, and difficult extractions. They can be excruciating, and patients often need a painkiller dressing in the socket. They are NOT an infection, and antibiotics are of NO use in preventing or healing them.
Some people have a milder type of dry socket, which might be your situation. If you are managing OK, then bear with it, and they will slowly heal up anyway. It might take another week before it really improves. Alternate the Advil with some Tylenol so that you don't exceed your daily limits.

Answer 3

Dry sockets occur when you have an extraction and you suck on a straw or smoke, and you have a lot of pain. I think what you're experiencing is normal. Try getting some rest and using warm salt water to gargle/swish around your mouth. That metalic taste is usually from blood. Dry sockets will heal up on their own. Godloveya.

Answer 4

Usually a dry socket is a more intense pain than you are experiencing. You still need to avoid soft drinks while you are healing and avoid swishing of liquids in your mouth. If you get a dry socket, you will know it - it is sort of like a migraine headache - no way to describe it.

Answer 5

It sounds like you have an infection not dry socket, with dry socket you are in excruciating pain. The bad smell is an infection, take it from me I have had my teeth pulled and had dry socket it is not fun.
Your doctor should have given you antibiotic's.

Answer 6

Your mouth will be tender for a few weeks but I do not think you have a dry socket. I had one pulled almost 3 weeks ago and it is still tender but I think that would be normal as that is a big hole in your gum.

Answer 7

Dry sockets are an infection resulting from pulled teeth. They cannot be treated on their own. You will need to see the dentist. It doesn't sound like you have one or you'd be in really bad pain. I had one and my jaw bruised and got very swollen! But see your dentist if you are worried.

Answer 8

DR. ALBERT IS RIGHT!! THE PAIN OF A DRY SOCKET IS UNBEARABLE AND IT WOULD REQUIRE A VISIT TO A DENTIST.

GOOD LUCK I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER