Treatment is usually symptomatic, (i.e., pain medications) and also the removal of debris from the socket by irrigation with saline or local anesthetic. Medicated dressings are also commonly placed in the socket; although these will act as a foreign body and prolong healing, they are usually needed due to the pain. The dressings are usually stopped once the pain is lessened. Examples of medicated dressings include antibacterials, topical anesthetics and obtundants, or combinations of all three, e.g., zinc oxide and eugenol impregnated cotton pellets, alvogyl (eugenol, iodoform and butamben), dentalone, bismuth subnitrate and iodoform paste (BIPP) on ribbon gauze and metronidazole and lidocaine ointment. A 2012 review of treatments for dry socket concluded that there was not enough evidence to determine the effectiveness of any treatments. People who develop a dry socket typically seek healthcare advice several times after the dental extraction, where the old dressing is removed, the socket irrigated and a new dressing placed. Curettage of the socket increases the pain and whether it is of overall benefit is debated.
Alveolar osteitis
Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Osteomyelitis
Osteoradionecrosis
Osteochondrosis
Osteitis
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Osteochondritis