Post extraction alveolitis and it's treatment

Abstract

Background: Alveolitis, or most known as “dry socket,” is a common condition characterized by inflammation within an empty socket followed by intense pain and discomfort, which occurs 1-3 days following tooth extraction. A condition that normally should form a blood clot or layer of healing epithelium, but instead results in delayed healing. Objective: The aim of this literature review was to summarize the effectiveness of treatment methods for Alveolitis. Methodology: The materials used in this study included five databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, PRIMO). The literature review was limited to 10 years to be able to find more current studies regarding the treatments. Specific key words such as “Alveolitis,” OR” dry socket,” OR “alveolar osteitis,” OR “treatment of Alveolitis,” OR “treatment of dry socket,” OR “treatment of alveolar osteitis,” AND “Post-extraction complications,” NOT “prevention” was used. Relevant literatures (not limited to 10 years) were used to describe the condition of Alveolitis regarding the clinical picture, symptoms, etiology, incidence, risk factors and prevention strategies, as well as the mechanism or/and active ingredients in the treatment. Moreover, books and systemic reviews was used as an overview. Results: Ten sources were selected during the research for this paper. The articles that were selected was available to read in full text. All were written in English and published within the last 10 years. Conclusions: All treatment methods shared a common objective to alleviate patient’s pain and facilitate the healing process of the affected alveolar bone and surrounding soft tissues following dental Alveolitis. Within the limitation of the present literature review, it can be concluded that intra-alveolar dressings remains to be the most common and widely accepted treatment option for dental Alveolitis.