Severe throbbing pain that starts 1–4 days after a tooth extraction
Pain that gets worse instead of better
Pain that may spread to the ear, jaw, temple, or neck
Empty-looking socket where the tooth was removed
Visible bone in the extraction site
Bad taste in the mouth
Bad breath
Pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medicine
Increased sensitivity in the area
Swelling that may be mild or absent
Fever or pus, which may suggest infection rather than dry socket