dry socket

The dry socket - Infection at the site of a recent tooth extraction, causing pain, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the tooth socket after a difficult extraction, such as removal of a wisdom tooth (see impaction, dental).

The clot itself may become infected, or infection may already have been present before extraction. The inflamed socket appears dry, and exposed bone is often visible.

The socket is irrigated to remove debris and may then be coated with an anti-inflammatory paste. The infection usually clears up within a few days.