Dry Socket

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is painful complication after tooth extraction, due to loss/disruption of blood clot, presenting with severe throbbing pain 2-4 days post-extraction, bad taste, and exposed bone. Treatment: irrigation of socket; medicated dressing (eugenol/iodoform gauze) changed every 1-2 days; analgesics; chlorhexidine rinses; prevent in high-risk (wisdom-tooth extraction, smoking) by atraumatic extraction and patient instructions; follow-up until healing.

Common Symptoms

Severe throbbing pain 2-4 days post-extraction; bad taste; exposed bone; by extraction

Causes and Pathogenesis

Clot loss/fibrinolysis causes exposed bone and pain.

Treatment

Irrigation; medicated dressing; analgesics; chlorhexidine; repeat dressing until healing

Preventive Measures

Atraumatic extraction; avoid smoking; follow post-extraction instructions.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Oral-maxillofacial-surgery/Restorative Dentistry department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.