Abstract
Background. Dry socket is a global phenomenon. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of dry socket in recent times in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Methods. Patients who were referred for dental extractions were included in the study. The case files of patients were obtained and information retrieved included biodata, indication for extraction, number and type of teeth extracted, oral hygiene status, compliance to oral hygiene instructions, and development of dry socket. Results. One thousand, one hundred and eighty two patients with total of 1362 teeth extracted during the 4-year period of the study were analyzed, out of which 1.4% teeth developed dry socket. The mean age (SD) was 35.2 (16.0) years. Most of the patients who presented with dry socket were in the fourth decade of life. Mandibular teeth were affected more than maxillary teeth. Molars were more affected. Retained roots and third molars were conspicuous in the cases with dry socket. Conclusion. The incidence of dry socket in our centre was lower than previous reports. Oral hygiene status, lower teeth, and female gender were significantly associated with development of dry socket. Treatment with normal saline irrigation and ZnO eugenol dressings allowed relief of the symptoms.
Highlights
Exodontia is the commonest procedure in oral surgery and dentistry [1]
Referred to as alveolar or fibrinolytic osteitis, is a major complication that follows extraction of tooth/teeth in oral surgery [2]. It is an acute inflammation of the alveolar bone around the extracted tooth and it is characterized by severe pain, breakdown of the clot formed within the socket making the socket empty, and often filled with food debris [3]
Case files of all patients that attended the dental center and had extractions of their tooth/teeth from January 2010 to December 2013 were obtained from the records department; information retrieved were patients’ biodata, oral hygiene status, systemic factors, diagnoses and indications for teeth extraction, teeth extracted, antibiotics prescribed and dosage of antibiotics, compliance to postextraction instructions, and occurrence of dry socket during follow-up
Summary
Exodontia is the commonest procedure in oral surgery and dentistry [1]. Most patients have to contend with moderate to severe pain over varying periods from the indications of these extractions and the fear of pain from having an extraction which might have been avoided. Referred to as alveolar or fibrinolytic osteitis, is a major complication that follows extraction of tooth/teeth in oral surgery [2]. It is an acute inflammation of the alveolar bone around the extracted tooth and it is characterized by severe pain, breakdown of the clot formed within the socket making the socket empty (devoid of clot), and often filled with food debris [3]. One hundred and eighty two patients with total of 1362 teeth extracted during the 4-year period of the study were analyzed, out of which 1.4% teeth developed dry socket. Treatment with normal saline irrigation and ZnO eugenol dressings allowed relief of the symptoms
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
