Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) happens when the blood clot protecting an extraction site is lost too early. It affects roughly 2–5% of routine extractions but up to 20–38% of lower wisdom-tooth extractions. Answer eight questions to see your risk band and a prevention checklist matched to your situation.
Make the next few days easier
Having these basics ready at home makes the first few days more comfortable:
Ice pack head wrap
Hands-free cold therapy for the first 48 hours to limit swelling.
Check price on AmazonSterile 4×4 gauze pads
Bite down gently to control oozing on day 1. Keep extra at home.
Check price on Amazon📘 Want the full plan? Our Dental Recovery & Savings Bundle covers day-by-day care, pain relief and how to save on dental bills.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your dentist's instructions.
How the score works
Each factor carries a weight drawn from published risk-factor reviews: lower wisdom tooth (+35), other lower tooth (+15), upper/front tooth (+5); heavy smoking (+30) or light smoking/vaping (+20) in the first 48 hours; oral contraceptives (+15); straws, spitting or hard rinsing in the first 72 hours (+20); surgical or difficult extraction (+15); previous dry socket (+15). Scores of 0–25 are low risk, 26–50 moderate, 51 and above high. Severe radiating pain on days 2–5 with a bad taste triggers a “call your dentist today” message regardless of score.
Embed it on your site
Dental practices, schools and health blogs may embed this calculator for free using the embed code shown under the tool — please keep the credit line.
Related guides
- Tooth extraction healing stages, day by day
- Blood clot fell out after extraction
- Smoking after tooth extraction
- Tooth pain symptom checker
Tool last reviewed: September 10, 2026. Educational use only; see our medical disclaimer.