Oral Surgery · single question
What is the treatment of choice for a dry socket (alveolar osteitis)?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Rinse with saline and place a sedative dressing
✓ A) Saline irrigation and sedative dressing is correct.
Dry socket treatment: gently irrigate the socket with warm saline to remove debris, then place a sedative/analgesic dressing (e.g., Alvogyl® — eugenol-based, or iodoform gauze with eugenol). This provides immediate pain relief by protecting the exposed bone and nerve endings. The dressing is replaced every 24–48 hours until the socket begins to re-epithelialize. Antibiotics are not routinely indicated unless systemic infection signs are present.
Dry socket treatment: gently irrigate the socket with warm saline to remove debris, then place a sedative/analgesic dressing (e.g., Alvogyl® — eugenol-based, or iodoform gauze with eugenol). This provides immediate pain relief by protecting the exposed bone and nerve endings. The dressing is replaced every 24–48 hours until the socket begins to re-epithelialize. Antibiotics are not routinely indicated unless systemic infection signs are present.