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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffDry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a temporary dental condition that sometimes occurs after extraction of a permanent adult tooth. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction is dislodged, exposing underlying bone and nerves and causing increasing pain.
Dry socket is the most common complication following tooth extractions, such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. When it occurs, dry socket usually strikes one to three days after a tooth extraction. The most common hallmark of dry socket is significant pain.
- Adeyemo WL, et al. Clinical evaluation of post-extraction wound site healing. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. 2006;7(3):40-49.
- Roberts JR, et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2004.
- Neville BW, et al. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:150-153.
- Hita-Iglesias P, et al. Effectiveness of chlorhexidine gel versus chlorhexidine rinse in reducing alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2008;66:441-445.
- Noroozi A, et al. Modern concepts in understanding and management of the "drysocket" syndrome: Comprehensive review of the literature. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology & Endodontics. In press. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
