Alveolar osteitis

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful dental condition occurring 3 to 4 days after an adult tooth is removed.

Symptoms

The blood clot that should form after removal is dislodged or dissolved before the wound heals, exposing underlying bone and nerves. This causes pain.

Treatments

Treatment includes prescription pain drugs and flushing the area.