Alveolar osteitis: a review of its etiology, prevention, and treatment modalities.

Alveolar osteitis (AO), commonly referred to as dry socket, is by far the most common complication following dental extraction. It represents a breakdown of healing after clot formation but before wound organization. This paper will review the literature associated with the etiology of AO, the risk factors which contribute to AO, and treatment regimens for AO once it is diagnosed. It will conclude with a summary of the current measures that hold the highest promise for the prevention of AO.