Definition: A dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a condition that can occur after a tooth has been removed.
When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot normally remains in its place. A dry socket can occur if the blood clot becomes dislodged. With the protective blood clot gone, the bone and nerves underneath are exposed, causing severe pain.
A dry socket is very common, but it can be avoided by not smoking and following post operative instructions after any type of oral surgery.
Pronunciation: Dry Sock-et
Also Known As: Alveolar Osteitis
