Alveolar Osteitis
Alveolar osteitis (dry socket) is a painful condition after tooth extraction when the blood clot fails to form properly.
Symptoms
- Severe pain 2-4 days post-extraction
- Visible bone in socket
- Radiating pain to ear
Causes
- Smoking after extraction
- Oral contraceptive use
- Traumatic extraction
FAQ
Is dry socket common?
It occurs in about 2-5% of tooth extractions and up to 20% of wisdom tooth extractions.
How can I prevent dry socket?
Avoid smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing for the first few days after extraction.