---
title: "What Is Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)? Dental Glossary"
description: "Dry socket is a painful problem that can happen after a tooth is pulled. The blood clot in the socket is lost too early, leaving bone and nerves exposed."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-socket-alveolar-osteitis
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)

Dry socket is a painful problem that can happen after a tooth is pulled. The blood clot in the socket is lost too early, leaving bone and nerves exposed.

Dry socket is a painful condition that sometimes occurs after a tooth is extracted. It happens when the blood clot that forms over your [tooth socket](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-socket) is displaced, leaving bone and nerves exposed. Dentists also call it alveolar osteitis.

If this happens, tell your dentist. Treatment may include cleaning the site and placing a medicated dressing in the socket. The dressing may be changed until the pain goes down. Your dentist may suggest a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Smoking and other tobacco use can delay recovery, so avoid them. Following your dentist's written aftercare steps helps protect the [blood clot](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/blood-clot-socket-clot). Our office describes removals on its [tooth extraction page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction).

[Town Center Dental can helpTooth Extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction)

## Related terms

-   [Tooth socket](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-socket)
-   [Blood clot (socket clot)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/blood-clot-socket-clot)
-   [Tooth extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-extraction)
-   [Post-operative instructions](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/post-operative-instructions)
-   [Wisdom tooth removal](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/wisdom-tooth-removal)

## Sources

1.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Dry Socket](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dry-socket)
2.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Dry Socket](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dry-socket)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)