The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice

Register      Login

SEARCH WITHIN CONTENT

FIND ARTICLE

Volume / Issue

Online First

Archive
Volume  25 (2024)
Volume  24 (2023)
Volume  23 (2022)
Volume  22 (2021)
Volume  21 (2020)
Volume  20 (2019)
Volume  19 (2018)
Volume  18 (2017)
Volume  17 (2016)
Volume  16 (2015)
Volume  15 (2014)
Volume  14 (2013)
Volume  13 (2012)
Volume  12 (2011)
Volume  11 (2010)
Volume  10 (2009)
Volume  9 (2008)
Volume  8 (2007)
Volume  7 (2006)
Volume  6 (2005)
Volume  5 (2004)
Volume  4 (2003)
Volume  3 (2002)
Volume  2 (2001)
Volume  1 (1999)
Related articles

VOLUME 11 , ISSUE 1 ( January, 2010 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Incidence of Dry Socket, Alveolar Infection, and Postoperative Pain Following the Extraction of Erupted Teeth

Marcelo Carlos Bortoluzzi, Rafael Manfro, Bruna Eliza De Déa, Taísa Cristina Dutra

Citation Information : Bortoluzzi MC, Manfro R, De Déa BE, Dutra TC. Incidence of Dry Socket, Alveolar Infection, and Postoperative Pain Following the Extraction of Erupted Teeth. J Contemp Dent Pract 2010; 11 (1):33-40.

DOI: 10.5005/jcdp-11-1-33

License: CC BY-NC 3.0

Published Online: 01-06-2014

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2010; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of dry socket, alveolar infection, and postoperative pain following the routine extraction of erupted teeth.

Methods and Materials

Using a questionnaire, this prospective cross-sectional study evaluated 357 consecutive surgeries in which 473 erupted teeth were extracted by dental students under rigorous control of microbiologic contaminants during a 22-month period. The subject sample consisted of 210 (58.8%) male patients ranging in age from 11 to 79 years (mean 41 ± 16.3). The most prevalent self-reported ethnicity was Caucasian (78.2%). The questionnaire consisted of 60 questions directed to the patient and to the dental student who performed the surgical procedure. The questionnaires were completed before and within seven days after the surgery to obtain outcomes data. Forty-five questionnaires were excluded due to lack of information, inconsistencies, or lack of contact with the patient; however, none had indications of alveolar infection or dry socket. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests (x2), and an odds ratio (OR) as appropriate at the critical level of significance, set at p<0.05 (x2) or p<0.01 (x2, with the Monte Carlo simulation).

Results

The observed incidence was 0.6% (two cases each) for both alveolar infection and dry socket. Higher pain levels and pain persisting longer than two days were observed with more traumatic surgeries, or associated with postoperative complications. Smoking was found to be statistically associated with the development of postoperative complications.

Conclusion

The incidence of alveolar infection, dry socket, and severe pain were very low for the routine extraction of erupted teeth. Severe pain that persists for more than two days can represent a sign of a postoperative complication such as dry socket.

Clinical Significance

Dental extraction is part of the dentists‵ daily work and intercurrences like dry socket, infection, and pain can occur. This manuscript reports the incidence of these occurrences and search for its predisposing factors.

Citation

Bortoluzzi MC, Manfro R, De Déa BE, Dutra TC. Incidence of Dry Socket, Alveolar Infection, and Postoperative Pain Following the Extraction of Erupted Teeth. J Contemp Dent Pract [Internet]. 2010 Jan; 11(1):033-040. Available from: http://www.thejcdp.com/journal/ view/volume11-issue1-bortoluzzi.

PDF Share
  1. Contemporary views on dry socket (alveolar osteitis): a clinical appraisal of standardization, aetiopathogenesis and management: a critical review. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2002; 31(3):309-17.
  2. The relationship of “shisha” (water pipe) smoking to postextraction dry socket. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004; 62(1):10-4.
  3. Update on dry socket: a review of the literature. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2005;10(1):81-5; 77-81.
  4. Quantifying the healing of dry socket using a clinical volumetric method. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2006; 101(6):e89-95.
  5. Dry socket: a prospective study of prevalent risk factors in a Nigerian population. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008; 66(11):2290-5.
  6. Dental extraction wound management: a case against medicating postextraction sockets. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2000; 58(5):538-51.
  7. Does oral contraceptive use affect the incidence of complications after extraction of a mandibular third molar? Br Dent J. 2003; 194(8):453-5.
  8. Metronidazole for the prevention of dry socket after removal of partially impacted mandibular third molar: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004; 42(6):555-8.
  9. Prevention of alveolar osteitis with chlorhexidine: a metaanalytic review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2005; 99(2):155-9.
  10. Modern concepts in understanding and management of the “dry socket” syndrome: comprehensive review of the literature. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2009; 107(1):30-5.
  11. Mandibular third molar removal: risk indicators for extended operation time, postoperative pain, and complications. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004; 97(4):438-46.
  12. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Age-Related Third Molar Study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2005; 63(8):1106-14.
  13. Postoperative prophylactic antibiotic treatment in third molar surgery—a necessity? J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004; 62(1):3-8.
  14. Are sterile gloves necessary in nonsurgical dental extractions? J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2005; 63(7):936-40.
  15. A randomized prospective controlled trial of antibiotic prophylaxis in intraoral bonegrafting procedures: preoperative single-dose penicillin versus preoperative single-dose clindamycin. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2006; 35(5):433-6.
  16. Antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria causing odontogenic infections. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2006;11(1):E70-5.
  17. A clinical evaluation of dry socket in a Nigerian teaching hospital. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2003; 61(8):871-6.
  18. Efficacy of amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid in preventing infectious and inflammatory complications following impacted mandibular third molar extraction. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2005; 100(1):e11-8.
  19. Paediatric necrotizing fasciitis complicating third molar extraction: report of a case. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004; 33(4):411-4.
  20. Perioperative management of the diabetic patient. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2007; 103(6):731-7.
  21. Consensus document on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in dental surgery and procedures. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2006;11(2):E188-205.
  22. Effect estimates and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials about prevention of alveolar osteitis following tooth extraction: a systematic review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2007; 103(1):8-15.
  23. Prophylaxis versus pre-emptive treatment for infective and inflammatory complications of surgical third molar removal: a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, clinical trial with sustained release amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (1000/62.5 mg). Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2007; 36(4):321-7.
  24. Microbiological risk factors in dentistry. Current status of knowledge. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2005; 12(2):157-63.
  25. Etiology of dry socket: additional factors. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004; 62(4):519-20.
  26. The relationship of cigarette smoking to postoperative complications from dental extractions among female inmates. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2007; 104(6):757-62.
  27. Severe odontogenic infections, part 1: prospective report. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2006; 64(7):1093-103.
  28. Mandibular third molar removal: risk indicators for extended operation time, postoperative pain, and complications. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004; 97(4):438-46.
  29. Frequency estimates and risk factors for postoperative morbidity after third molar removal: a prospective cohort study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008; 66(11):2276-83.
PDF Share
PDF Share

© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.