Alveolar osteitis
Alveolar Osteitis
Alveolar osteitis (pronunciation: al-vee-oh-lar os-tee-eye-tis), also known as dry socket, is a dental condition that sometimes occurs after a permanent adult tooth is extracted. Alveolar osteitis is a common complication of tooth extraction surgery and is characterized by severe pain that begins a few days after the surgery.
Etymology
The term "alveolar osteitis" originates from the Latin word "alveolus" meaning small cavity or pit, and the Greek word "osteitis" meaning inflammation of the bone.
Symptoms
The main symptom of alveolar osteitis is severe pain that starts a few days after a tooth extraction. Other symptoms may include bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The pain often radiates to the ear and other parts of the face.
Causes
Alveolar osteitis is caused by the partial or total loss of a blood clot in the tooth socket after extraction. This blood clot is necessary for healing and new bone growth. Factors that can contribute to the development of alveolar osteitis include difficult or traumatic extractions, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and the use of oral contraceptives.
Treatment
Treatment for alveolar osteitis typically involves the cleaning of the tooth socket and the application of a medicated dressing to promote healing and relieve pain. Pain medication may also be prescribed. In some cases, the dentist may need to repeat this process a few times until the socket starts to heal.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alveolar osteitis
- Wikipedia's article - Alveolar osteitis
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