(This phrase acts like a noun. It is the direct object of the verb stopped. This phrase is a gerund phrase.) I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph. (This phrase acts like a noun. It is the subject of the adverbial clause when my mother took me to see him in a department store.) I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph.  It is the object of the preposition for.)
I recently had a tooth extraction on tooth #31. ...I developed a blood clot that currently has a whitish in color appearance. ...Isn't a dry socket a painful condition caused when you lose your blood clot....
It is normal to have a hole where the tooth was removed. The blood clot does eventually disappear and it will take some time for the area to close. In the mean time do as tickle said, keep your fingers out of the hole! Keep rinsing gently with warm salt water. If you are having pain you should go back to see the dentist who removed the tooth.