Interventions for the prevention of dry socket: an evidence-based update

Key Points Provides an update on the clinical and histological stages of normal healing of an extraction socket. Highlights the causes and management of dry socket. Supplies current evidence for measures available to prevent dry socket. Stresses implications for current clinical practice and future research. This paper reviews the latest evidence for local and systemic interventions for the prevention of alveolar osteitis (dry socket). Dry socket is a painful and common post-operative complication following exodontia. Any interventions for the prevention of dry socket could reduce both its incidence and help avoid this painful complication. Prophylactic measures proposed in the literature are discussed. Furthermore, this article discusses both the clinical and histological stages of a normal healing socket.