Alveolar Osteitis

Diagnosis

The dentists will suspect a dry socket if the patient has severe pain after a tooth extraction. They will perform the oral examination to check for exposed bone and blood clots in the tooth socket. The diagnosis can be confirmed by checking at the area where the tooth has been extracted.

To rule out other problems such a bone infection (osteomyelitis) or tiny fragments of root or bone that remained in the wound after surgery, patient might need to have X-rays of their mouth and teeth.

Treatment

In most circumstances, a dry socket will naturally heal, however visiting the dentist for treatment can help reduce discomfort more quickly.

The goal of dry socket treatment is to lessen symptoms, especially discomfort. Treatment for dry sockets could involve:

• Flushing out the socket: Any food scraps or other material that may cause to pain or a potential infection can be removed by flushing the socket.
• Medication dressings: The socket may be filled with medicated gel or paste and dressings by the dentist or oral surgeon. These may offer comparatively quick pain relief. Patient need for additional treatment or how frequently they should change their dressing will depend on how bad their pain and other symptoms are.
• Medication:  Prescription painkillers are necessary and will be provided by the dentist. A dry socket can occasionally become infected and will be treated with antibiotics.
• Self-care: To encourage healing and get rid of debris when the dressing is taken off, patient need to flush the socket at home, with home instructions and a plastic syringe with a curved tip so you can spray salt water, water, or a prescription rinse into the socket until the socket no longer gathers excess.

Patients may get some pain relief shortly after treatment begins. Pain and other symptoms should be better and disappear in a few days. Keep planned appointments with the dentist or oral surgeon, though, so they can change the dressing and provide other care.