"I've always been wary about putting essential oils directly on sensitive areas..."
Totally get your hesitation here—I was in the same boat last year. Honestly, clove oil did numb things a bit, but the taste was so overpowering it made me nauseous. Have you considered asking your dentist about medicated dressings instead? Mine applied one directly into the socket, and it was a lifesaver. Might be worth checking out before diving into the clove oil route...
I had a similar issue last summer—dry socket pain is no joke, ugh. Clove oil definitely helped numb things temporarily, but yeah, the taste was pretty intense and lingered forever...not exactly pleasant. Have you looked into over-the-counter gels like Orajel or Anbesol? They're affordable and easy to apply, plus they don't leave that strong aftertaste. I found Orajel particularly useful when I couldn't get to my dentist right away. Also, ibuprofen worked surprisingly well for me if you're looking for something budget-friendly and easy to find. Have you tried alternating warm saltwater rinses to help keep it clean and ease some of the pain? It's simple, cheap, and gave me some relief between doses of painkillers. Good luck—I know how miserable this can be!
