Alveolar Osteitis Management in Oral Surgery
Summary
Alveolar osteitis, commonly referred to as dry socket, represents a significant postoperative complication following dental extractions, especially of mandibular third molars. It arises when the intra-alveolar blood clot is dislodged or fails to form adequately, exposing the underlying bone and nerve endings. Clinically, patients present with severe, radiating pain, delayed healing, halitosis and an increased risk of secondary infection, often necessitating repeated clinical visits. Management strategies encompass both prevention and treatment, aiming to restore local haemostasis, promote tissue regeneration and deliver analgesic or antimicrobial agents directly to the extraction site. Preventive measures include atraumatic extraction techniques, chlorhexidine applications and placement of bioactive materials. Therapeutic interventions range from socket irrigation and curettage to novel drug-delivery systems and autologous platelet concentrates. Recent advances emphasise minimally invasive approaches, biomaterial innovations and tailored local therapy to reduce patient morbidity and healthcare burden worldwide.
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Alveolar Osteitis Management in Oral Surgery publication trend
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Technical terms
Alveolar osteitis (dry socket): Post-extraction complication characterised by loss of the blood clot and exposed bone, leading to severe pain.
Mucoadhesive patch: Bioadhesive device designed to adhere to mucosal tissues, enabling sustained local drug release.
Electrospun fibres: Nano- to microscale polymer strands produced by electrospinning, used for controlled drug delivery.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): Autologous blood concentrate rich in platelets and growth factors, applied to extraction sites to enhance healing.
Chlorhexidine gel: Topical antiseptic formulation that reduces microbial load and promotes clot stability in extraction sockets.
References
- Controlled dual drug release from adhesive electrospun patches for prevention and treatment of alveolar osteitis. Journal of Controlled Release (2024).
- The Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in the Management of Dry Socket: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- The efficacy of chlorhexidine gel in the prevention of alveolar osteitis after mandibular third molar extraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Oral Health (2017).
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