Definition: Alveolar Osteitis, also known as a dry socket, is a condition that can occur after a tooth has been removed.
When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot normally remains in its place. Alveolar Osteitis can occur if the blood clot becomes dislodged. With the protective blood clot gone, the bone and nerves underneath are exposed, causing severe pain.
Alveolar Osteitis very common, but it can be avoided by not smoking and following post operative instructions after any type of oral surgery.
Also Known As: Dry Socket
