Clinical management and control of alveolalgia ("dry socket") with vitamin C.
OBJECTIVE
To monitor the incidence of dry socket in a sample of 696 consecutive tooth extraction patients and to test the possible therapeutic effects of vitamin C.


METHODS
Following standardized extractions, 24 dry socket patients were provided 4,000 mg/day dosages of Vitamin C. Demographic and health history data were collected.


RESULTS
The occurrence of dry socket (3.5% overall) was greater in females and individuals with lower overall health status, and supplemental Vitamin C was associated with rapid recovery.
Halberstein
Robert A
RA
Department of Anthropology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA. R.halberstein@miami.edu
Abrahmsohn
Glenn M
GM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004194:Disease; D004368:Dry Socket / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000145:classification; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D014081:Tooth Extraction
D000975:Antioxidants; D001205:Ascorbic Acid