Clinically known as Alveolar Osteitis, this is a painful dental condition that can occur 2–5 days after a permanent tooth extraction. It happens when the blood clot at the site of the extraction fails to develop, dislodges, or dissolves before the wound has healed.
The blood clot serves as a protective layer over the underlying bone and nerve endings. When it is lost, the bone is exposed to air, food, and fluids, causing intense pain that radiates to the ear and neck. It delays healing significantly.
A condition where the bone is exposed after a tooth is pulled because the healing blood clot is missing.
Instead of a dark red blood clot, you will see a dry-looking opening where the bone is visible (often greyish/white).
Do not smoke, spit vigorously, or drink through a straw for at least 72 hours. These actions create suction that pulls the clot out.
You must return to the clinic. We flush out the debris and place a medicated dressing (paste with eugenol/clove oil) into the socket. Pain relief is usually immediate.