Oral Surgery · single question

Regarding alveolar osteitis ('dry socket'), which statement is the EXCEPTION — i.e., generally NOT true?

It is easy to identify immediately in every case (early presentations can overlap with normal post-extraction discomfort or mimic other complications)
Pain classically worsens 2-4 days after extraction rather than improving
It involves disintegration/loss of the blood clot, exposing bone
Smoking and oral contraceptive use are recognized risk factors

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Correct answer: A. It is easy to identify immediately in every case (early presentations can overlap with normal post-extraction discomfort or mimic other complications)

Dry socket is not always immediately obvious — its diagnosis depends on the classic worsening pain timeline (days 2-4, rather than gradual improvement), visible clot loss/exposed bone, and a foul odor, and early on it can be mistaken for normal post-extraction discomfort or a developing infection. The other listed features (timing, clot loss, smoking/OCP risk factors) are well-established and true.

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Regarding alveolar osteitis ('dry socket'), which statement is the EXCEPTION — i.e., generally NOT true?

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