Oral Surgery · single question

Which of the following statements about alveolar osteitis (dry socket) is NOT accurate?

It is more common following mandibular molar extractions
Use of oral contraceptives increases the risk
The etiology is simple with a single well-established cause
Treatment involves gentle irrigation and medicated dressing placement

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Correct answer: C. The etiology is simple with a single well-established cause

Alveolar osteitis (dry socket) is a multifactorial complication following tooth extraction characterized by premature loss of the blood clot from the socket. Its etiology involves multiple factors: excessive fibrinolysis (possibly bacteria-induced), surgical trauma, poor blood supply, smoking, oral contraceptives (elevated estrogen enhances fibrinolysis), poor oral hygiene, impacted mandibular third molar extractions, and pre-existing infection. There is NO single, easily identified cause — this is a false statement about alveolar osteitis. The incidence is approximately 2–5% for routine extractions and up to 20% for mandibular third molars. Treatment includes copious saline irrigation and placement of an analgesic medicated dressing (e.g., iodoform gauze with eugenol-based paste).

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Which of the following statements about alveolar osteitis (dry socket) is NOT accurate?

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