14.11.4
Dry Socket
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 14, Oral and Maxillofacial Conditions.
Clinical Description
It is a post extraction complication due to failure to form clot (dry socket). The condition is very painful and it defers from infected socket by lack of clot and its severity of pain.
Signs and Symptoms
- Severe pain 2-4 days post-extraction
- Pain exacerbated by entry of air on the site
- Socket devoid of clot
- It is surrounded by inflamed gingiva
Investigations
- Intraoral X-rays
Treatment
- Treatment is under local anesthesia with Lignocaine 2% socket debridement and irrigation of 3% hydrogen peroxide. The procedure of irrigation is repeated the 2nd and 3rd day and where necessary can be extended to 4th day if pain persists. On follow-up visits local anesthesia is avoided unless necessary
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