What is the treatment for a dry socket?

The treatment for a dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, principally involves irrigation and packing with a medicated dressing, commonly eugenol. This approach addresses the pain and facilitates healing in the affected area. When a tooth is extracted, the underlying bone and nerves are exposed, which can lead to severe pain if the blood clot does not form properly or becomes dislodged. By using eugenol, an effective sedative and analgesic, it helps to alleviate discomfort while also protecting the exposed bone and promoting recovery.

This particular method is crucial in managing the symptomatology of dry socket and enables the area to heal appropriately. Other treatments like antibiotic therapy may be considered if there are signs of infection but are not the primary treatment for dry socket itself. Immediate tooth extraction would generally not be a remedy for dry socket and could worsen the situation if the teeth are already compromised. Warm compresses might provide some symptomatic relief for pain, but they do not address the underlying issue of dry socket effectively.