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Oral Surgery · single question

What is the appropriate treatment for alveolar osteitis (dry socket) after extraction?

  1. Irrigate socket and apply medicated iodoform/eugenol dressing
  2. Re-extract the site to restart bleeding
  3. Prescribe systemic antibiotics
  4. Apply silver diamine fluoride to the socket
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Correct answer: A. Irrigate socket and apply medicated iodoform/eugenol dressing

Alveolar osteitis = premature loss of blood clot exposing alveolar bone. Treatment: palliative — gently irrigate with saline, pack with medicated dressing (iodoform/eugenol — e.g., Alvogyl). Change dressings every few days. Antibiotics NOT indicated for uncomplicated dry socket.
  • A. CORRECT. Rinse and dress — irrigate socket + medicated iodoform/eugenol dressing. Change every few days.
  • B. Re-extracting is traumatic and unnecessary — not a recognized treatment.
  • C. Antibiotics NOT indicated for uncomplicated dry socket — not an infection; antibiotics don't help.
  • D. SDF is for caries arrest — not dry socket management.

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