I am a dentist. . .I can assure you that the dry sockets will heal. A dry socket occurs because the blood clot that was in there after the tooth was extracted has been dilodged, leaving the socket empty for food etc to get trapped in there. This causes pain, swelling and general discomfort. The dressing that was placed in the socket helps to disinfect it and helps healing to occur, however, once the dry socket has occurred, it doues take a lot longer for the gum to heal over. It's usually a matter of a few weeks, but you should be feeling less discomfort day by day. Sometimes the socket needs a stitch, sometimes it doesn't. It depends on how big it is. If you are worried, then you should contact yout dentist. Sometimes another dressing is needed. Good luck with it!

Hi my name is Shelly. I have been a dental assistant both civilian side and in the Air Force for 4 years. This is very normal. Your body takes a long time to regenerate bone. These holes will fill in. Ask your dentist or Oral surgeon for a Monoject syringe. It is a plastic syringe. It will help you get the debrie out of the socket site. Use a warm salt water rinse and it will be fine I Promise. Feel free to email me with any futher questions.

Hi,

Thanks for your responses. I have been recovering fine as both your replies have assured me. I guess I was just afraid, and after 10 people that I work with were ' alarmed ', I then became upset and worried. Its been a little over a month now and the holes are still present, however much smaller. I don't have any pain and I've aquired a MONOJECT syringe just as Shelly advised. It works wonders. Slow but gradual.. thank god this only happens once in a lifetime. Thank you very much for replying.

Acry