Dry socket is the painful setback everyone wants to avoid after a tooth extraction, especially when the third molars are involved. It occurs when the blood clot that should protect the bone and nerve endings is lost or fails to form, leaving the socket exposed. Pain often builds two to four days after surgery and can radiate to the ear, eye, or temple. The goal of this guide is simple: keep the clot stable, keep the wound clean, and keep inflammation down so you heal quickly and comfortably. If you are preparing for Wisdom teeth removal Sydney, the habits below will serve you well.
What is dry socket and why does it happen?
Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is not an infection. It is a local inflammatory problem caused by the loss or breakdown of the protective clot. Common triggers include smoking or vaping, vigorous rinsing or spitting in the first 24 hours, drinking through straws, heavy exercise too soon, and traumatic fiddling with the area using fingers or the tongue. Women who take oestrogen-containing contraceptives, people with a history of dry socket, and those having difficult lower molar surgeries face higher risk. Many readers search for Wisdom Teeth Sydney when comparing clinics, yet the day-to-day care you take at home matters just as much as the dentist’s skill.

The first 24 hours: protect the clot
What should you focus on as soon as you get home? Pressure, rest, and stillness. Bite gently on the gauze as directed to control oozing. Keep your head elevated when resting to minimise throbbing. Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods. Skip straws and carbonated drinks altogether. Do not rinse, spit, or brush the surgical area for the first day. An ice pack on the cheek for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off during the first six hours helps limit swelling. After wisdom teeth extraction Sydney, this calm window is the best investment you can make in swift recovery.
Day 2 to day 7: clean without disturbing
From the second day, begin gentle care to keep debris out of the socket. Rinse lightly with warm salty water three to four times daily, especially after meals. Brush the rest of your teeth as normal, but angle the bristles away from the wound. If your dentist supplied a syringe for irrigation, use it only as instructed, usually from day three or four once the clot is stable. Do not probe the socket with cotton buds or toothpicks. Keep talking, chewing, and yawning gentle and controlled. If you clench at night, ask about a soft guard because grinding can aggravate soreness.
Food, fluids, and activity
Start with cool, soft foods like yoghurt, scrambled eggs, mashed pumpkin, and pasta after your wisdom teeth removal cost Sydney. Add in protein early to support tissue repair. Drink plenty of water, but sip from a cup. Most people can return to desk work after a day or two, yet strenuous training should wait five to seven days. Heavy lifting spikes blood pressure and can dislodge the clot. If you feel pulsating pain during activity, you are doing too much, too soon.
Smoking, vaping, and alcohol
Nicotine and heat delay healing and raise the risk of dry socket. Aim for at least 72 hours smoke-free, and longer is better. Nicotine replacement lozenges or patches can help, though discuss this with your dentist or GP. Avoid vaping as the suction and aerosol are also problematic. Skip alcohol for a minimum of two days, or longer if you are taking prescribed pain relief.
Pain relief and medicines
Follow the cheap wisdom teeth removal Sydney plan given by your dentist. A common approach is alternating paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory, taken with food and water. Take medications on time rather than waiting for severe pain to build. Do not take aspirin unless you have been told to, as it can increase bleeding. Antibiotics are not routine for clean extractions and should only be used if prescribed.
Red flags: when to call
Severe pain that peaks around day two to four, an unpleasant taste or odour, and pain that radiates to the ear or eye are classic signs of dry socket. You might see an empty-looking hole rather than a dark blood clot. Call your dentist right away. Treatment is straightforward: gentle irrigation, a medicated dressing that soothes the nerve endings, and review until the pain settles. Do not try home remedies like clove oil on your own, as the concentration and placement need professional control.

Extra tips to speed healing
Small choices add up. Wear the supplied gauze or dressing as directed. Keep your lips and corners of the mouth moisturised to prevent cracking. Sleep on a higher pillow for the first couple of nights. If you have seasonal allergies and tend to sneeze, keep tissues close and try to sneeze with your mouth open to lower pressure. Women taking oestrogen-based contraception may benefit from scheduling surgery in the low-oestrogen part of the cycle, so ask your clinician if timing flexibility exists.
If you are planning wisdom tooth removal Sydney with Dr Paulo Pinho’s team, our focus is on prevention, comfort, and clear follow-up. Questions about timing, sedation options, or imaging are welcome, and our nurses can walk you through socket care step by step. Good habits protect the blood clot, and a protected clot heals fast.