Dry Socket
A painful post-extraction complication characterised by loss or disintegration of the blood clot from the alveolar socket, exposing bare bone.
Full Definition
Dry socket, clinically termed alveolar osteitis, is the most common postoperative complication following tooth extraction, presenting typically two to four days after the procedure. It is characterised by the loss or premature dissolution of the blood clot in the extraction socket, resulting in exposure of alveolar bone, severe localised pain often radiating to the ear, and a characteristic halitosis. Risk factors include mandibular third molar extraction, smoking, oral contraceptive use, and excessive rinsing post-extraction. In formal clinical documents, editors should prefer the term 'alveolar osteitis' over 'dry socket,' reserving the latter for patient-facing materials. The two terms should not appear interchangeably in the same document.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'alveolar osteitis' in all formal clinical and academic documents. 'Dry socket' is acceptable in patient-facing materials and informal clinical notes. Avoid using both terms interchangeably in the same document.
In Context
- "The clinical record documented alveolar osteitis (dry socket) of the mandibular right third molar extraction site, managed with Alvogyl dressing." — Postoperative complication record
- "The patient information leaflet correctly used 'dry socket' rather than 'alveolar osteitis' to ensure readability for a lay audience." — Patient information leaflet