Intermediate
Technical
IVT
alveolar osteitis
Pronunciation: al-VEE-oh-lar os-tee-EYE-tis
Painful inflammatory condition of the tooth socket following extraction, commonly called dry socket.
Full Definition
A painful complication that occurs when the blood clot in a tooth extraction site is lost or fails to form properly, leaving the underlying bone and nerves exposed. The condition typically develops 2-3 days after extraction and is characterized by severe, throbbing pain that may radiate to the ear or neck. Treatment involves irrigation of the socket and placement of medicated dressing. The condition is more common following lower molar extractions and in patients who smoke or have poor oral hygiene.
Usage
Usage note: More precise than the colloquial term 'dry socket' in professional documentation.
In Context
- "The patient presented with classic signs of alveolar osteitis three days post-extraction." — Emergency consultation note
- "Smoking cessation counseling was provided to reduce the risk of alveolar osteitis following wisdom tooth removal." — Pre-operative patient education
Also known as
dry socket
fibrinolytic alveolitis
Don't confuse with
periodontal abscess
alveolar abscess