title: The general practitioner's perspective of the etiology, prevention, and treatment of dry socket.
abstract: Alveolar osteitis (AO) is the most common postoperative complication following a tooth extraction. This article focuses on its etiology and contributing factors. It is intended to assist the general practitioner in reducing the incidence of AO in his or her practice. The article includes summaries of current preventive and treatment measures.
authors.affiliation: Naval Dental Center, Clinical Investigation Department, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California 92134-5000, USA.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Colby
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D004368:Dry Socket / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology