Alveolar osteitis

Alveolar osteitis, commonly known as dry socket, is a painful dental condition that can occur after the extraction of a tooth when the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction fails to develop, is dislodged, or dissolves before the wound has healed. It exposes the underlying bone and nerves, leading to severe pain not only in the socket but also along the nerves radiating to the side of the face. The condition typically occurs 2 to 5 days after the tooth extraction. Alveolar osteitis is considered to be a postoperative complication and is relatively common after the removal of third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth.

Causes

The exact cause of alveolar osteitis is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to its development. These include:

• Trauma from the tooth extraction process, which can disrupt the blood clot formation.
• Infection at the site of the extraction, which can prevent proper healing.
• Chemical factors, such as nicotine from smoking, which can impair blood flow and clot formation.
• Physiological factors, such as hormonal changes, which may affect healing.
• Mechanical factors, such as sucking on a straw, which can dislodge the blood clot.

Symptoms

Symptoms of alveolar osteitis may include:

• Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction.
• Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the extraction site, leading to an empty-looking (dry) socket.
• Visible bone within the socket.
• Pain that radiates from the socket to the ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side of the face.
• Bad breath or a foul odor coming from the mouth.
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Prevention

Preventive measures may reduce the risk of developing alveolar osteitis. These include:

• Avoiding smoking before and after the extraction.
• Following the dentist's or oral surgeon's instructions on postoperative care, including proper oral hygiene.
• Avoiding the use of straws, spitting, or any suction action that could dislodge the blood clot.
• Using medications or mouth rinses as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Treatment

Treatment for alveolar osteitis focuses on reducing symptoms and promoting healing. Options may include:

• Cleaning the socket to remove debris that may be causing infection.
• Application of medicated dressings to the socket to alleviate pain and protect the area.
• Pain management with analgesics.
• Antibiotics, if an infection is present.

Prognosis

With proper treatment, the symptoms of alveolar osteitis can be significantly reduced, and the condition usually resolves within 10 to 14 days. However, it is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of dry socket to seek prompt treatment to prevent further complications.