A dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot that forms after extraction is lost. It is painful and normally has an onset 24-28 hours post extraction.
As a 4th year dental student, there is still several patient complaints that I need more experience with. Dry sockets (alveolar osteitis) is one of those complaints. If a patient complains of pain starting a couple of days after an extraction, my first thought is: dry socket! I am still not sure, however, exactly what to look for to diagnose a dry socket. I am aware that every patient heals on a different time table, so just because a socket is still open a week or two after extraction does not indicate a dry socket.
What diagnostic tests or visual cues do you look for to diagnose a dry socket? Any advise or rules of thumb are welcome!