Alveolar Osteitis, Dry Socket
Alveolar Osteitis, Dry Socket
It is a painful condition in which blood clot fails to develop at the site of adult tooth extraction. It is also called alveolar osteitis. Blood clot provides the protective covering over the wounded area. After exposure of the site nerves ending at surface cause severe pain.
Symptoms
Following are the signs and symptoms of dry socket:
- Underlying bone visible
- Foul odoI from mouth
- Intense pain
- Loss of blood clot at the site of tooth extraction
- Bitter taste in mouth
Causes
The cause of alveolar osteitis is still unknown. Theories support that following factors may involved:
- Trauma at the site of tooth extraction
- Bacterial infection
Complications
A general complication of dry socket is delay healing of surgery site, superimposed bacterial infection. Life threatening complication include bone disease called osteomyelitis but it is rare.
Diagnosis
Your doctor examine your mouth to check the other cause of tooth pain. He may ask you some other questions regarding surgery and your medical history to rule out the other causes.
Treatment
Treatment of dry socket include:
- Pain medication to reduce the pain
- Medicated dressing to avoid the infection
- Flushing out the socket to prevent the bacterial growth
- Self-care to avoid any complication
Home Remedies
- Brush your teeth gently
- Take painkiller
- Stay hydrated
- Rinse mouth with warm water several times a day
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Use straw for drinking purpose