What is dry socket, what is it caused by?
Sep 4th, 2008 by Dr. Kourosh Maddahi DDS
Dry socket can happen after an extraction when there is a blood clot in the socket. If the blood clot that is formed in the socket is lost due to spitting, the use of straws or anything that would vacuum out the clot, it would cause dry socket.
If dry socket forms, then there is a bacterial infection in the area and you have to take antibiotics and pain pills for about two weeks. The breakdown of the blood clot can also be caused by drinking alcohol or caffeine while the area is healing.