title: Alveolar osteitis: a review of its etiology, prevention, and treatment modalities.
abstract: Alveolar osteitis (AO), commonly referred to as dry socket, is by far the most common complication following dental extraction. It represents a breakdown of healing after clot formation but before wound organization. This paper will review the literature associated with the etiology of AO, the risk factors which contribute to AO, and treatment regimens for AO once it is diagnosed. It will conclude with a summary of the current measures that hold the highest promise for the prevention of AO.
authors.forename: Jamie P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Houston
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCollum
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pietz
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schneck
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects; D004368:Dry Socket / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005054:Eugenol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008964:Molar, Third; D010497:Pericoronitis / Q000150:complications; D010577:Petrolatum / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D005054:Eugenol; D010577:Petrolatum