Alveolar Osteitis — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyOral Surgery PrinciplesAlveolar OsteitisMFDS Part 1

Following a tooth extraction, when does alveolar osteitis (dry socket) most commonly become clinically apparent?

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Correct answer: E — 2–5 days after extraction

Alveolar osteitis most commonly becomes apparent 2–5 days after extraction, with UK Royal College guidance describing a typical onset around days 3–4. The characteristic feature is severe or increasing socket pain after the initial postoperative period, often accompanied by an absent or disrupted clot, exposed socket bone, and an unpleasant taste or odour. Pain within the first few hours is more consistent with expected immediate postoperative pain. Presentation from day 6 onwards is later than is typical for alveolar osteitis and should prompt consideration of other postoperative problems, including local infection, retained material or delayed healing.

Reference: East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Extraction of teeth under general anaesthetic, section: potential risks and side effects. June 2025. https://www.esht.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/0448.pdf