There are two types of dry socket packing—medicated gauze or cotton that you need to replace every day and hemostatic packs which dissolve on their own within two to five days.
Dentists put these packs in the extraction site to stabilize the clot and to prevent a painful dental condition called, “dry socket”.
A dry socket or alveolar osteitis could develop after tooth extraction and could last up to ten days. It is characterized by severe pain in the extraction site that radiates to the ear, within 2 to 5 days after an adult tooth was pulled out.
If you are at risk of developing this condition, your dentist might recommend medicated carriers which stays in place from 24 to 48 hours. For those who are experiencing a high level of pain, the pack has to be replaced every 24 hours or at least every two days for up to a week.
What is a Dry Socket Packing?
After washing away loose debris from your extraction site with saline solution or sterile water, the dentist will dry the socket gently with suction. The purpose is to prevent bacterial formation and to remove anything that might interrupt with the natural healing process of your gums.
Afterward, the dentist will make a ‘packing’ by smearing a medicated paste onto a piece of gauze or cotton. The dentist will then place the medicated carrier directly into your tooth socket.
Depending on your comfort needs, you will have to replace the dressing within the next 24 hours to relieve the pain. Afterward, your dentist will remove the carrier in your socket when your symptoms subside. But, they may also use other types of the carrier that dissolve on their own such as:
- Surgicel
- Gelfoam
- Surgifoam
The above-mentioned anti-bleeding packing usually liquefies in three to five days after the dentists place them on bleeding tissues.
Why Do You Need Packing?
Here are three major reasons why dentists put medicated gauze on your socket after tooth extraction:
- Bleeding control. Ordinary medicated gauzes or cotton balls and sterile medicated carriers like Gelfoam, Surgicel and Surgifoam aid in the cessation of bleeding, also known as hemostasis.
- Pain relief: Packings immediately relieve some pain. However, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist especially when it comes to cleaning and replacing of gauze at home to avoid infections and injury in the socket.
- Speedy healing. A person with this condition is at risk of delayed healing and infections. So, it is important to call your doctor immediately when you experience fever and chills, redness or swelling of the socket or gums. It is also important to watch out for pus or discharge from the area of tooth extraction.
Who are at risk?
Not everyone develops this painful condition, but some people are more at risk than the others because of the following reasons.
- not following your dentists instructions
- pre-existing gum disease
- removing gauze from inside your mouth too early
- smoking
- traumatic surgery
- weaker jaw bones
Are you experiencing pain that feels like it covers one side of your face or mouth, extra sensitivity to hot or cold drinks? Those are typical symptthe oms of dry socket! Call your dentist to know what steps to make to avoid further complications.
Author: Peter Mayhew
Peter is a dental hygienist in the city of Chicago, IL. In his free time he likes to write blogs and product reviews on anything dental health related.
Hi I developed a dry socket after having a wisdom tooth pulled and the dentist flushed the area,painful,then shoved a gauze soaked in clove oil into the huge gap.this was done 3 days ago and unlike other clove gauzes I’ve had that just fall out this one is firmly, very firmly,stuck in place.should I be pulling it out soon?
I just hady dry socket packed almost 5hrs ago and he also stitched it in place well the stitches and the packing has totally came out, is it to early for it to come out? I thought it was suppose to at least stay 24hrs, since it came out the severe pain is beginning to start back should I contact the dentist or just let it be??
I’ve also just had the same procedure done as you about 2 days ago. It deceased the pain big time, but unfortunately I now have a very bad taste in my mouth that won’t go away. Wasn’t sure if I had to remove the gauze myself or it would just fall out and when that would be? The smell taste and smell is coming from the dressing in the socket. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you
The smell and taste is strange but normal!! I suggest letting a candy or lozenge dissolve in your mouth to combat the unpleasant taste – and still drinking water!!
I had my wisdom pulled yesterday at 10am and my gums would not stop bleeding after the continuous bleeding 9 hours after my extractions I went to the ER and the put surgicel in my sockets to promote clotting which it did I stopped bleeding. When I opened my mouth I can see the surgicel right on top of my gums should I take it off? Or just leave it? It’s been about 10 hours after they put it on there
Do you pull dressing out after three days
We’re you still allowed to use salt water rinse I just got mine packed today?
I saw no one answered you, however I now have the same question. Can you please answer this for me
Katie, the reason why they say you shouldn’t continue salt water rinses when having a packed dry socket is because you could risk rinsing the packing out!! Better just wait for the dentist to remove it – or for it to dissolve depending on the type.
Hi there! I recently had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled and developed dry socket in both lower extraction sites. I highly suggest that you make an appointment with your dentist to have them remove it. This way they can check the site to make sure it is free of any possible debris, and properly healed v.s Needing another gauze dressing. Plus you could accidentally scrape healing tissue when pulling it out!! ouch!
I had packing today in dry socket. I was told no rinsing or brushing/ I could still eat, soft food such as mashed potatos. Problem is the packing seems to have fallen out or I swallowed it. Could it have dissolved in just 5 hours?