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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffDry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful dental condition that can occur after extraction of a permanent adult tooth.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the site of the tooth extraction has been dislodged or has dissolved before the wound has healed. Exposure of the underlying bone and nerves results in severe pain.
Dry socket is the most common complication following tooth extractions, such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. If dry socket occurs, the pain usually begins one to three days after the extraction.
Over-the-counter medications alone don't adequately treat dry socket pain. Therefore, your dentist or oral surgeon will initiate treatments to lessen pain and promote healing.
- Benko P. Emergency dental procedures. In: Roberts J, et al., eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/214478851-3/0/2083/0.html. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
- Noroozi AR, et al. Modern concepts in understanding and management of the "dry socket" syndrome: Comprehensive review of the literature. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology & Endodontics. 2009;107:30.
- Blum IR. Contemporary views on dry socket (alveolar osteitis): A clinical appraisal of standardization, aetiopathogenesis and management: A critical review. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2002;31:309.
- Preparing for third molar removal. NIH Clinical Center. National Institutes of Health. http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/tests_procedures.html. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
- Cardoso CL, et al. Clinical concepts of dry socket. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2010;68:1922.
- Wisdom teeth. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php. Accessed Aug 13, 2010.
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