Dry Socket

Question 1

What is dry socket also known as

Answer 1

This is also known as alveolar osteitis

Question 2

How often does dry socket happen

Answer 2

3% of routine extractions

20% of surgical extractions

Question 3

Describe the onset and character of the pain from dry socket

Answer 3

• Presents about 2-3 days after extraction, lasts between 7-10 days
• Constant throbbing ache

Question 4

What causes dry socket

Answer 4

When the blood clot is lost, broken down or never fully formed following extraction

Question 5

What are some of the predisposing factors of Dry Socket

Answer 5

• Poor Oral hygiene
• Extraction trauma: XS force nad surgical extractions
• Smoking
• Blood supply
• Site
• Gender
• Systemic factors

Question 6

Why does smoking cause a higher incidence of dry socket

Answer 6

• Due to the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine

Question 7

What about LA can increase the likelihood of dry socket

Answer 7

• The vasoconstrictors in LA can cause dry socket as they interfere with the blood supply to the sockets

Question 8

Dry sockets are more common in which types of extractions

Answer 8

• More common on the mandible that the maxilla

- Mostly associated with the lower third molars

Question 9

Which gender is more likely to have dry socket

Answer 9

More common in females than males

Question 10

What systemic factors can increase likelihood of dry sockets

Answer 10

• Use of oral contraceptives

Question 11

What are the management options for dry socket

Answer 11

• Gentle irrigation of area using saline or chlorhexidine mouthwash to remove any debris
• Dress socket to protect it from painful stimuli
• Good oral hygiene
• Analgesics
• Reassure healing is progressing and correct tooth was removed

Question 12

What can be used to dress a dry socket to protect it from painful stimuli

Answer 12

• Alvogyl (don’t need to be removed)
• ZOE packs

These often work after a few mins boiii