Wisdom teeth extraction is quite common among the adult population. However, the after effects of extraction pain, discomfort, or swelling is experienced by a very few. It is estimated that about 2% to 5% of tooth extraction patients suffer from dry socket later. When a tooth is extracted, a hole is left behind in the jawbone. This is called as a socket. After the tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the wound area. This clot is essential to speed up the healing process.
However, the blood clot dislodges or dissolves in some cases and leads to the formation of dry socket. Dry socket forms after two to three days of tooth extraction with the intensity of pain gradually increasing. What does a dry socket look like? A hollow space can be seen from where the tooth was extracted. Bone and nerve endings can also be observed when a close examination of what does a dry socket look like is done.
The bone and nerves become exposed to food, saliva, and bacteria. This leads to a lot of discomfort and pain. There can be bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth as well. Sometimes, the pain can extend to the ears and affect the entire face and neck. After tooth extraction, it is possible to avoid dry socket by taking a few preventive measures: